Bangalore: Forest brigand Veerappan cannot be caught -- not even in the next 15 years -- by the current approach and trend of the government, for which the only option left is to create opportunities for his surrender, a former Commander of the Special Task Force entrusted with the task of nabbing him, said on June 30.

The Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons high-profile H T Sangliana, who retired on June 30, said density of forests the bandit is operating in, intelligence failure and non-cooperation of villagers are coming in the way of government's efforts to nab the fugitive.

Sangliana, who had put in more than 30 years of service in different capacities in Karnataka, told reporters in Bangalore that with the current approach and trend, the government cannot even think of catching the bandit for even 15 years.

Sangliana did not rule out the possibility of his entering politics but indicated that it won't happen in the immediate future -- not till the next elections are over.

"Politics is the last refuge of scoundrels. But we need good people to enter the political arena for the better," said Sangliana, who hails from Mizoram.

PTI