Chennai: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami said on December 12 that
the Centre would take a 'lead role' in putting down the menace of forest brigand
Veerappan by providing all assistance to the two state governments.
"Whatever is required, technology or equipment wise, the Centre will be willing to
help the state governments," he said speaking to reporters at the Meenambakkam
airport.
Swami, who is in Chennai on a private visit, said both the state governments should
rise to the occasion as law and order was a state subject, but the Centre was
willing to extend all needed help.
Replying to a question on the Opposition demand for a Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) enquiry into Nagapppa's death, he said the Centre cannot, suo
motu, take over the investigation by itself. Only if there was a specific request
from a state government, it could be examined.
PTI
