Veerappan was a notorious Indian bandit who turned into a domestic terrorist. |
He operated from his base camp in the dense Sathyamangalam Forest in Tamil Nadu, India. |
During his criminal career, he was involved in kidnapping, murder, extortion, sandalwood smuggling, and elephant poaching. |
His actions resulted in the deaths of 184 individuals, including 97 police officials and forest officers. |
Veerappan was accountable for the killings of approximately 900 elephants primarily for ivory. |
Despite his infamous reputation, some viewed him as a modern-day 'Robinhood of India' for supposedly aiding various sections of society. |
Rooted in poverty, Veerappan perceived injustice towards the underprivileged. |
A traumatic incident with a forest official fueled his deep resentment towards government authorities. |
He assisted his uncle, known for poaching and sandalwood smuggling before undertaking these activities himself. |
At 17, Veerappan committed his first murder and targeted those who opposed his criminal operations. |
Over time, he distanced himself from his uncle and was involved in the deaths of 2,000 to 3,000 elephants over twenty-five years. |
Veerappan chose to lead a sober life, abstaining from intoxicants. |
An evaluation by a psychiatrist from Bangalore depicted Veerappan as extremely angry with uncontrolled aggression towards society and authority. |
The psychiatrist classified Veerappan as a unique criminal who would resist arrest fiercely, meeting his fate in battle. |