Forest Department restores jeep the officer drove

Chamarajanagar: In a heartfelt tribute to martyred Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer P. Srinivas, who was killed by forest brigand Veerappan, the Forest Department has restored his jeep to a running condition and has turned it into a souvenir.

This was the same jeep that Srinivas rode during anti-Veerappan operations in Kollegal and Chamarajanagar forests that extended into Tamil Nadu, the core area of the bandit. The vehicle that was abandoned has been restored and has been kept in the museum at the office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) in Kollegal taluk.

The museum, consisting of photographs, letters, documents and write-ups of Srinivas, was recently inaugurated by Chamarajanagar District Minister V. Somanna. This is one of the three jeeps that were used by Srinivas in the operation  against Veerappan.

While one jeep was blasted by the brigand’s men during the peak of Veerappan menace, the other one was given to the scrapyard as any other Government vehicle. This particular jeep Srinivas drove was dumped near the office of the Palar Range Forest Officer 30 years ago and had rusted and was about to be given away as scrap.

Restoration task

Realising the importance of the vehicle, DCF Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division V. Yedukondalu took up the task of restoring the jeep and also converting it into running condition. Parts were bought including the covers and the vehicle was restored to its original condition.

“This is the first such tribute to a martyred Forest Officer anywhere in India. People still love him and remember his contribution in conservation and moreover, he took the local villagers into confidence. We thought restoring the jeep and creating a museum is the best way to honour Srinivas, who was a ‘Keerthi Chakra’ (the second-highest peacetime gallantry award) recipient in 1992,” Yedukondalu said.

The Forest Department spent Rs. 1.1 lakh to repair it and to restore it to running condition and another Rs. 3 lakh to put it up as a souvenir and also add the martyr officer’s memorabilia to the museum.

The museum, established at the forest guest house at Kollegal, has photographs of search operations, the houses constructed by Srinivas for the poor at Gopinatham, writings related to him, documents and other memorabilia.

Veerappan’s trick

Srinivas was born on September 12, 1954, in Rajahmundry, East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and he joined IFS in 1979. At a time when no forest officer or Police officer was willing to serve in Chamarajanagar district due to the fear of Veerappan, Srinivas was appointed there in 1990-91.

Realising that Veerappan cannot be nabbed without the support of local villagers, Srinivas formed a team of locals to help in the operation. Srinivas was successful in winning the confidence of the villagers and he was able to persuade the forest brigand to surrender.

However, Veerappan played a trick and invited Srinivas to Gopinatham saying that he would surrender. On November 10, 1991, Srinivas went to Gopinatham alone for the surrender deal but was tortured and beheaded at a hamlet a few kilometres away from Gopinatham.

A temple to officer

At the time of his death, DCF Srinivas was the Assistant Commander in the Special Task Force formed to capture Veerappan. Notably, Srinivas was deeply influenced by Vinoba Bhave and had a strong belief that Veerappan can be persuaded to renounce weapons and violence.

He was loved by villagers and in honour of the officer, a temple was constructed by villagers and tribals at the place where he was murdered. Srinivas’ photograph adorns the walls of every house in Gopinatham and surrounding areas as he built many houses for the villagers and tribals there.

He also constructed a Mariyamma Temple and the deity is strongly believed by villagers. In fact, even now, the first puja at the Temple is performed to Srinivas.