Virajpet (Kodagu): Buttiyanda D. Mandappa (Prabhu), retired Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) Superintendent of Police (SP), Mysuru District and a resident of Nangala village, Bittangala Post in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district, passed away yesterday. He was 78.

He leaves behind his wife Vimala (Poodrimada), daughter Allumada Swagi Naveen and a host of relatives and friends.

Mandappa was a prominent officer in the Special Task Force (STF), which was formed to eliminate forest brigand Veerappan. He had sustained injuries in the shootout which took place on Aug. 14, 1992, in which SP Harkrishna and Sub-Inspector Shakeel Ahmed were martyred.

Mandappa was a recipient of the President and Chief Minister’s Medal for his meritorious service. Last rites were held at Nangala village this afternoon, according to family sources.