Mysore/Mysuru: D. Krishne Urs, retired Dy.SP, who had taken part in the operation to nab dreaded poacher and sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, passed away on Tuesday in Bengaluru.

Last rites were held at the Kengeri Burial Grounds in Bengaluru this morning.

Krishne Urs, who had served at various Police Stations in city as a Sub-Inspector, was taking part in the operations to nab Veerappan conducted by the District Police before the Special Task Force (STF) was formed.

On Apr. 9, 1990, when he was returning to Male Mahadeshwara Hills from Hogenkal along with other Police officers, Veerappan and his gang ambushed the vehicle and began to fire killing Sub-Inspectors Dinesh, Ramalingu & Jagannath and Constable Shankar Rao. But Krishne Urs and another Sub-Inspector Chandrappa retaliated and fired back forcing Veerappan  gang to flee.

Though Krishne Urs and Chandrappa sustained injuries, they managed to safeguard the weapons and the bodies of the slain Police officers. Recognising their bravery and the timely act, they were awarded with the Chief Minister’s Medal.