Mettur (TN): The body of forest brigand Veerappan, who was killed in a gunbattle with Tamil Nadu Special Task Force (STF) on Monday night (Oct 18, 2004), was buried at around 6:35 hrs (IST) at Moolakadu near Mettur today (Oct 20, 2004).

Veerappan's wife Muthulakshi, his daughter Vijayarani Yuvarani, his brother's wife Muniamma were among others who were present at the burial ground.

Veerappan was buried in the land owned by his brother Mathaiyan who is presently in the Coimbatore central jail, amidst tight security.

Muthulakshmi came down heavily at the Salem SP Pon Manickavel for not handing over the body to her to take it to Veerappan's native place of Gopinattham in Kollegal Taluk in Karnataka.

Muthulakshi also made several allegations against the police over the encounter.

Veerappan's body was brought to Mettur last night from the Dharmapuri Government hospital in an ambulance, amidst tight security. His wife and relatives accompanied the body.

After initial opposition, his relatives finally agreed to bury the bandit's body before noon today, instead of the usual custom of cremation, after Kolathur Mani, a sympathiser of Veerappan, discussed the issue with senior police officials.