MYSORE, AUG 10: Relatives of Veerappan's victims are up in arms over the move to release the bandit's associates from Mysore Jail.According to the, the situation represents a breakdown of the entire law and order machinary in the state when a man who has blood on his hands demands the release of his aides and the state relents.Relatives of police officials who laid down their lives for the country say the state government ``should respect the sacrifice''.Sukanya Ramalingu, wife of Sub-Inspector Ramalingu who was killed in an encounter at Hogenakkal Falls, says she ``will move court to stop this, if need be''.``If this is the government's attitude, the only option is a legal reprieve as a mark of respect to my husband's ultimate sacrifice.''Even thought she wants to see Rajkumar's release, Sukanya plans to seek the help of other victims to fight against the state's decision to release the TADA detenues.This wouldn't be the first time that she's up in arms against the establishment. In fact, when the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had belittled the efforts of STF, ``I filed a case against M Karunanidhi'', she says.Incidentally, one of the victim's father, Abdul Kareem, blamed Karunanidhi for the present impasse. Sukanya said SI Shakeel Ahmed - Kareem's son - and SP Harikrishna, were killed in an ambush at Meenyam when they had ventured to nab Veerappan ``knowing full well that the brigand would take to such nasty tricks''.They laid their lives for the country. ``How can the state government think of releasing the associates of Veerappan who has 130 lives on his hands?''A police officer once attached to the Special Task Force, who had taken the brunt of Veerappan's attack, feels strongly about granting Veerappan a reprieve. ``Veerappan should not be pardoned whatever be the stake, he says.However, he was more sympathetic on the issue of release of TADA detenues, saying most of the 51 were innocent. Many have been languishing in jail since eight years and this ``is the maximum sentence they deserve''.Shakeel Ahmed's father, however, insists that the fight against the release of the detenues was on. He also wanted the Tamil Nadu Government to be dismissed for colluding with the brigand. The sacrifice of brave policemen should not be belittled, he says, echoing Sukanya and so many others in a similar position.
