Koose Muniswamy Veerappan famously known as Veerappan has quite a complex legacy as a notorious bandit and smuggler who operated in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Even though he was killed in a mysterious 2004 police encounter his legacy is debated to this day.
He operated for more than 2 decades and killed over 180 people which included police, forest officials, and many civilians. He famously kidnapped the Mega Socio-Cultural Icon of Kannada Cinema Dr.Rajakumar.His legacy is again brought into the limelight following the Netflix documentary.
Veerappan’s legacy is very complex and controversial. On one hand, he was a dreaded bandit who terrorized the forests by smuggling tons and tons of precious sandalwood and by killing thousands of elephants. He also killed anyone who questioned his power and authority in an extremely brutal way.
But on the other hand, there are quite an amount of people who see him as a “Robin Hood” figure and folk hero by many who see him as a champion of tribal rights. Now let me go through the bad and good aspects of Veerappan’s legacy. (I mean no good stuff can justify killing 10,000 elephants tho..)
The Bad
- Veerappan was a merciless assassin. He murdered more than 120 individuals, including forest rangers and police personnel.
- It was a poacher, Veerappan. For their tusks, hides, and other body parts, he murdered tigers, elephants, and other creatures.
- Several people suffered greatly as a result of Veerappan. In addition to causing financial losses for the area, his actions also claimed lives.
- Veerappan damaged the region’s reputation. His actions brought violence and criminality to the area.
The Good
- Veerappan was an expert insurgent soldier. He managed to avoid police apprehending him for more than twenty years.
- Veerappan was a shrewd merchant. He succeeded in creating a sizable criminal enterprise.
- As a leader, Veerappan possessed charm. He was well-liked by the underprivileged and outcasts in the area.
- Veerappan contributed to increasing awareness of the suffering of the area’s impoverished and disenfranchised.
- Veerappan had a role in increasing awareness of the value of conservation.
Conclusion
I have given my best to write this article from a very neutral standpoint. Assessing any historical character is extremely tough as there as both sides to the coin. We see Che Guevara as a revolutionary but at the same time a bit similar personalities are seen as terrorists and bandits as it just depends on what side on the boundary we are in, Even though Veerappan championed tribal rights and was a voice who campaigned for their development, it was just seen as a major way to in a way justify his criminal activities. So as a reader, I would highly recommend you guys watch the Veerappan documentary for which I have attached the link above, and come to your conclusions.
Untill then Sayonara and Goodbye.