Everybody's playing Sherlock but none has all the clues

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Whodunnit? This is the question on everyone''s mind these days. Ever since former minister Nagappa''s body was found in the jungles inhabited by Veerappan, a blame game is on. <br />Accusatory arrows are being fired aimlessly. Speculations are rife. Circumstantial evidence at the site shows there was an encounter.The brigand blames it on the Tamil Nadu STF. Some appear to believe him. Others say a third party might be involved. Jayalalitha and Krishna have traded missives over the question.<br />What could have actually happened? Let us look into several theories and questions that are making the rounds:<br />To begin with, should we believe Veerappan? The brigand says Nagappa died in a crossfire between his gang and Tamil Nadu STF men. Should the words of a cold-blooded killer, sandalwood smuggler and poacher be taken seriously? Perhaps, by doing so, he has succeeded in increasing the animosity between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.<br />His aim, as everyone knows, is to create a rift between Tamilians and Kannadigas. His bigger aim is to project himself as the saviour of Tamil-speaking people and help his extremist friends realise their dream of a separate Tamil land.<br />Who knows, Veerappan might have killed Nagappa on the expiry of his 12-day ultimatum, doubting Krishna''s assurances that Kolathur Mani would be released soon. The body was decomposed when it was found. Or, Nagappa might have died of a heart attack, and the brigand pumped a bullet in his chest and floated the encounter theory to clear a rift between the two states. Cartridges at the site where Nagappa''s body was found point to an encounter. Unless, of course, Veerappan placed them there to mislead the police and the public. If the encounter theory is true, four possibilities come to one''s mind:<br />Tamil Nadu STF: Did an adventurous group of men from this force feel that with Veerappan busy negotiating with the Karnataka government, they can sneak into the Karnataka side of the forest, mount a surprise attack, kill or nab the brigand and rescue Nagappa? Had they succeeded they would have become instant heroes. No one would have questioned their jurisdiction too.<br />When the plan failed ending in Nagappa''s death and escape of Veerappan, they probably withdrew from the scene. The Tamil Nadu government has vehemently denied such an adventure by its STF men. Rather Jayalalitha has sent a strong letter to Krishna decrying such reports in Karnataka.<br />Karnataka STF: That its men remained in the barracks on instructions from the government and appeals by Nagappa''s family is a fact. Did a few, who knew the whereabouts of Veerappan, get into the forest with or without the knowledge of STF bosses, and engage in an encounter with the brigand? For, like in the case of Tamil Nadu STF men, the needle of suspicion points towards them too. Here too, the reason is instant name and fame. State STF bosses strongly deny such an adventure.<br />Anonymous group: Did a group of volunteers, not belonging to either of the two STFs, mingle with the villagers, identify the brigand''s location and surprise him in true filmy style? In the process got killed and their bodies were disposed of by the gang? And in revenge, the brigand shot the hostage dead?<br />Gang rivalry: Perhaps a fight broke out among the brigand''s gang members over the emissary and ransom issues and Nagappa died in the crossfire.<br />The suspense is killing, even as players in the drama are throwing mud at each other. Except, Veerappan. He let a cat among pigeons and is now enjoying the drama from his den. It''s high time the menace is eliminated. Krishna has a good alternative. Let the Centre lead the nab-Veerappan operation, with STFs of the two states providing necessary back-up. Someone like K.P.S. Gill who eliminated terrorism from Punjab, may be an ideal choice to lead the forces.<br />Only when it is deemed a national problem, will efforts be successful. The problem of jurisdiction too will not surface. So will oneupmanship and political rigidity.<br />Krishna has urged the Centre to convene a meeting of himself, Jayalalitha and Kerala''s Antony — to work out a strategy. He wants Prime Minister Vajpayee and Home Minister Advani to be present. The Centre will hopefully act fast.<br /><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Balram.Singh@timesgroup.com</span> or<span style="" font-style:="" italic=""> balramhs@indiatimes.com</span> </div> </div>