MYSORE: It was in 1991, almost 20 years ago, that then deputy conservator of forests P Srinivas laid down his life while dealing with dreaded forest brigand Veerappan. It seems the government has only now realised that the site promised to his family has not been sanctioned yet.
Sources said that the Forest Department has now decided to deposit `5.70 lakh with the Bangalore Development Authority, appealing it to sanction a site. The department has also requested Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to recommend a site in a good locality. While Srinivas' parents, hailing from a lower middle class background, had given up hope and settled down in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, officials have been directed to get in touch with them to complete the formalities.
It was on November 10, 1991, that the brigand, in an act of treachery, beheaded Srinivas after inviting him to his hideout promising he would surrender. Srinivas' body was found at Yerekum, a gorge between the villages of Pudur and Gopinatham on the banks of Cauvery. The brigand had alleged that the murder was in retaliation to the state government seeking the support of the Indian Army for nabbing him.
The DCF was accused of having a clandestine affair with the brigand's sister, Maari, although no evidence exists to support the claim. Promises of support for the family had come flooding in. Then chief minister S Bangarappa and his Cabinet ministers assured support to the family of the slain officer.
However, as it is with many a promise from the government, they failed to materialise.
Sources said the CM will be invited to give away the allotment letter along with title deeds to Srinivas' family.