Bandit hunt: STFs likely to get central intelligence cover now

While discussing the reasons for the failure of the STFs of the two states to lay their hands on the dreaded criminal, the meeting considered the threat from ‘‘moles’’ within the STFs who were passing on sensitive information, including movement of forces, to Veerappan.

The STFs have often been outsmarted by Veerappan, who has eluded them even when he was within their striking distance despite depleted firepower and men, thanks to leaks from the lower rungs of the police forces. The bandit also enjoys the advantage of support from tribals who live in the forests besides political patronage from people belonging to both the states.

Among the proposals that were discussed at the meeting, said sources, was the one relating to the use of the services of the Aviation Research Centre, a RAW unit, for aerial photography and reconnaissance. This, they said, could be extremely useful in tracking the movements of Veerappan’s gang in the inhospitable jungle terrain.