National

"Dismiss These Two Governments"

With a tripod walking stick in hand, Abdul Karim is an epitome of inexhaustible strength. The father of Shakeel Ahmed, an SI killed by Veerappan, is unrelenting in his spite for the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments. His petition before the apex c

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"Dismiss These Two Governments"
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You seem to be the lone ranger in this crusade against the government’s decision to withdraw cases against Veerappan’s associates?
I don’t feel lonely because all non-political persons, innocent persons, and the entire police department, with the exception of some villains, are with me. My cause has been taken up by the President of India, so what more do you want? If he dismisses these governments and calls in the army, Veerappan will come crawling, begging for mercy. With the exception of the government headed by Veerappa Moily (1992-96), all the chief ministers have succumbed to Veerappan's pressure because all the MLAs had their own ulterior motives for the bandit to roam scot-free. Raju Gowda (a Congress legislator) has employed Veerappan to do illegal things and run rackets for him. Besides, the legislator has also influenced others. The quarry contractor lobby is also involved in this game.

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So, what you are effectively saying is that there is a nexus between politicians and Veerappan?
Yes. I will file an affidavit on the direct and indirect nexus. Veerappan is a treasure trove for these politicians, so he can kill elephants for ivory or cart away sandalwood worth millions. That Gopal is also playing a trick on the government, but everybody is listening to him. The government should send a squad headed by D.R. Karthikeyan (former director of CBI), give him the men and the arms he wants and then just lay off. I am sure he will bring back Rajkumar and also nab Veerappan. Karthikeyan is the most efficient and honest officer I have come across. In fact, he has already said (in a TV interview) that the operation (to arrest Veerappan) could be difficult, but not impossible. I must tell you, I have no respect for Krishna or Karunanidhi because they are bargaining and bartering for Rajkumar at the cost of lives of men in uniform. They want to release men who ambushed and killed my son and many others. If a dog is killed, the driver is held for rash driving, but here is a case where men who were murdered by Veerappan and his men are not cared for by these governments.

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Would you carry on even if the Supreme Court rejects your appeal?
I have already made an appeal to the President to dismiss these governments in the interest of peace. They are dancing to the tune of legislators who have connections with the LTTE and other banned terrorist organisations. I have requested the President to arrest Karunanidhi in the interest of peace and justice, and to have him and Gopal interrogated by the CBI.

You mean the Union government should arrest Tamil Nadu chief minister Karunanidhi?
So what if Karunanidhi is the chief minister of Tamil Nadu? He must be arrested, only then will Veerappan run and scamper for his life, and I will offer myself for the rescue of Dr Rajkumar.

But, how will you trek to the forest?
I will walk as far as I can, but when I take the initiative, the entire state will rise, and millions will enter the forest.

How are you managing the resources for such a prolonged legal battle?
Well, some lawyers said they will fight without accepting a rupee, but I said I won’t go to them unless they accept their fee. If necessary, I will sell this house for Shakeel’s cause. I have already sold a plot of land given by the police department and have raised a loan of Rs 25,000 today.

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