Veerappan - Indias Most Wanted Man..

Sunaad Raghuram

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Veerappan: poacher, smuggler, killer -- a fugitive who for more than three decades has sustained a crime frenzy as action packed and outlandish as anything Hollywood (or even Bollywood) could conjure.

Determined to escape the crushing poverty of his childhood village, Veerappan was lured to a life of crime in his adolescence and eventually amassed a gang with as many as 150 members. He has kidnapped wealthy men, poached precious resources, and viciously ambushed police, killing more than a hundred. He stole such great quantities of explosives from nearby granite operations that the government ordered the industry to shut down. Yet to this day he has eluded capture, despite the government's creation of a special task force, the sole purpose of which is to stop him.

The impenetrable Indian jungle provides him with shelter and refuge, while villagers, whether from fear or admiration, protect him from the police, so that year after year he has grown bolder and more power hungry. His most audacious act to date -- the kidnapping of India's biggest film star -- caused nationwide public upheaval and brought the film industry to a halt, while his demands for ransom presented the government with a crippling legal dilemma.

Investigative journalist Sunaad Raghuram's meticulously researched report follows Veerappan's violent progression from a small-time poacher to the bloodthirsty criminal who has flouted the entire Indian police force and government for decades. Using the personal testimony of Veerappan's family members and closest associates, Raghuram recounts this outlaw's crimes and examines his personal life as well, including a surprisingly touching first person account of what Veerappan's wife has endured. Veerappan: India's Most Wanted Man details the methods and madness of a man alternately hailed as a messiah and condemned as a murderer.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Criminal Mastermind: Veerappan was a cunning and elusive criminal mastermind who operated in the dense forests of South India for decades, evading capture by law enforcement authorities.

  2. Sandalwood Smuggling: The book delves into Veerappan's involvement in the illegal trade of sandalwood, which made him a wealthy and powerful figure in the region.

  3. Forest Banditry: Veerappan's criminal activities extended beyond sandalwood smuggling to include poaching, extortion, kidnapping, and murder, terrorizing the local population and law enforcement agencies.

  4. Manhunt: The book chronicles the extensive manhunt launched by the government to capture Veerappan, involving thousands of police personnel, special task forces, and intelligence operations.

  5. Political Connections: Veerappan had connections with politicians, bureaucrats, and other influential figures, which enabled him to evade capture for so long and operate with impunity.

  6. Public Support: Despite his criminal activities, Veerappan enjoyed support and sympathy from certain sections of the local population, who viewed him as a Robin Hood-like figure fighting against injustice and exploitation.

  7. Media Attention: The book discusses the extensive media coverage of Veerappan's exploits, including his daring escapades, encounters with law enforcement, and the impact of his actions on society.

  8. Impact on Wildlife: Veerappan's activities had a devastating impact on the region's wildlife, particularly endangered species such as elephants and tigers, leading to calls for greater conservation efforts.

  9. Endgame: The book details the events leading to Veerappan's eventual downfall, including the involvement of undercover operatives, informants, and a controversial operation to capture or kill him.

  10. Legacy: Veerappan's life and crimes continue to intrigue and fascinate people, and his story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of combating organized crime and protecting natural resources.

Language English
ISBN-10 0066210631
ISBN-13 9780066210636
No of pages 304
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Ecco
Published Date 17 Sep 2002

About Author

Author : Sunaad Raghuram

3 Books

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