Bangalore: Within hours after the jungle terror unleashed by Veerappan was brought to an end with his killing, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today (Oct 19, 2004) announced that a probe would be held to uncover the political patronage and financial support received by the brigand.

"I will discuss the issue with the concerned to decide on the nature of inquiry to be instituted," Singh told reporters soon after his return from Delhi.

Though Veerappan and his associates had been killed in an encounter, there was a need to pursue certain vital issues regarding those who provided the bandit political and financial support that helped him to survive for more than two decades, he said.

Singh in the midst of the press conference phoned his Tamil Nadu counterpart Jayalalithaa, congratulated her for her initiatives to end the Veerappan menace as also her State's STF.

"Congratulations. It is your keen interest that brought an end to the 20 years reign of terror in the forests," Singh told Jayalalithaa. Singh also complimented the Karnataka STF and recalled the support extended to the operations to nab Veerappan by Tamil Nadu.

In a good will gesture, Singh announced that the State Government would allot sites to those personnel involved in STF operations at their places of residence. About 900 personnel had been drafted to STF.

When asked about the Rs 5 crore reward announced on Veerappan's head, Singh said a decision would be taken on it.

He however remained non-committal on whether the STF would be disbanded.