Chennai: Following is the chronology of forest brigand Veerappan, leading to his death in an encounter last night (Oct 18, 2004).

July 1987: A Tamil Nadu forest officer Chidambaram was kidnapped and lynched.

Jan 1989: Five members of a rival gang were kidnapped and killed.

Aug 1989: Three forest personnel of Begur forest range of Tamil Nadu were killed. Their mutilated bodies were recovered 19 days later.

Jan 1990: A Sub-Inspector and a head constable were shot by Veerappan gang, following gunning down of two of his members by Tamil Nadu police.

Apr 1990: In the first direct attack, Veerappan ambushed and mowed down three Sub-Inspectors and a constable, including Dinesh, an officer, who had been "hot on his trial".

May 1990: Special Task force constituted to nab the poacher.

Nov 1990: Shot and beheaded deputy conservator of forests, R Srinivas. Srinivas was blamed for the death of Mari, Veerappan's sister. Head was traced three years later.

Feb 20,1992: Son of a granite quarry owner kidnapped in Karnataka and Rs one crore ransom demanded. Quarry owner paid Rs 15 Lakh as ransom.

May 20, 1992: Swooped down on Ramapura police station, killing policemen and taking away a cache of arms.

Jun 15, 1992: STF killed four of Veerappan's gang in Nellur village. Veerappan sent a note, saying 'I will finish all of you'.

Aug 14, 1992: Veerappan trapped STF SP, Harikrishna and 27 police personnel. Bombed Harikrishna, Ahmed and four others.

Apr 1993: A bus carrying Tamil Nadu police personnel was blown up near Palar killing 22 personnel including civilians, Supt. of police 'Rambo' Gopalakrishnan hurt in the attack.

May 1993: Attacked Karnataka SP, Gopal Hosur and party at M M hills, Killing six policemen.

Jul 1993: BSF began operations in the forest area, nabbed 19 members of the gang.

Aug 1993: Series of encounters with BSF and Veerappan gang claimed lives of 18 gang members and three policemen. Few months later, Veerappan sends audio cassette, seeking amnesty.

Dec 1994: DSP, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption Chidambaranathan and two companions kidnapped from Coimbatore district. They escaped on Dec 31 after 27 days, under the cover of STF onslaught. Veerappan's brother, Arujunan and two gang members Ayyadyrai and Rangaswamy, surrender.

Nov 1995: Three forest officials kidnapped in the Anthiyur forest in Erode and a ransom of Rs five crore sought. After 20 days, hostages set free after Rs.3.5 lakh was paid unofficially.

Dec 1995: Veerappan attacks TN STF, two personnel killed. The attack was in retaliation to avenge the death of Arjuna and Rangaswamy in STF Custody, consuming poison.

Jan 1996: Attack on Tamil Nadu SP, Tamilselvan and party, killing a constable and injuring the SP.

Apr 1997: After a lull of nearly one year, the bullet ridden body of Veerappan's heir apparent 'Baby' Veerappan was discovered from the forest.

July 1997: Ten forest personnel were kidnapped. One was sent back with a surrender offer on a cassette. On Aug 5 another hostage reached Chennai with the Tamil Magazine 'Nakkeeran' editor, R R Gopal. Others were released later.

Dec 21 1998: Veerappan and gang attacked Vellitiruppur police station in TN, decamped with nine guns, ammunition after this major operations, Veerappan with reduce strength of his supporters lied low and sought amnesty and held amnesty and held negotiations with Tamil Nadu Government.

Apr 28 1999: Another major attack, three forest officials were kidnapped near Hogenekkal in TN's Dharmapuri district. Sent letters and audiocassette to the district collector.

Jul 30 2000: Sensational abduction of Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar and four others, from Doddagajanur guest house. One of the hostages, Nagappa escapes from their clutches.

Aug 25 2002: Former Karnataka Minister H Nagappa abducted. Body found after some days.