Bangalore: Forest brigand Veerappan's diary was seized at the scene of last week's encounter in Dharmapuri district in which the elusive bandit was killed, STF's (Special Task Force) Karnataka Chief Jyothi Prakash Mirji confirmed today (Oct 29, 2004).

Speaking at a meet-the-press programme, organised by Press Club of Bangalore, Mirji said the diary is now in the possession of Dharmapuri police who have taken over the investigation as STF's role has come to an end after Veerappan's killing.

He said he has not seen the contents in the diary, adding, STF now has no locus-standi and jurisdiction and it's for Dharmapuri police to pursue the case.

The finding of the diary has generated considerable interest, as many believe that Veerappan's death has left many questions unanswered, particularly allegations of political patronage and also his kidnap dramas.

If indeed the sandalwood smuggler had made recordings in the diary, it could throw light on the dreaded saga of mayhem and kidnappings during his reign of terror.

According to Mirji, Veerappan was a strategist who used to plan and execute kidnappings and his other plans meticulously going into minutest details and doing rehearsals for successful operations.

Over the years, his gang of around 200 has been smashed to just a four-member outfit following combing operations and sustained efforts of STF but the bandit used to conduct "special recruitment" of those in the know to carry out particular tasks, he said.

Veerappan was virtually forced out of his strongholds by heavy deployment of STF in such areas snapping his links there leading to his movement to other areas.

STF men infiltrated into Veerappan's gang through some trusted informers and helpers of the bandit which eventually led him to the trap.

Mirji said STF was not driven by offer of awards and rewards but by the sole mission to erase the "stain" that stuck the police forces for not ending the Veerappan menace, projecting law enforcing agencies in poor light, both within India and also abroad.