Annual Report 1999-2000 DG(I) was told that there had reportedly been no review by the Karnataka Government of the detention of the TADA detenues, the Human Rights Courts constituted by the Tamil Nadu Government had not started functioning and the petitions submitted to the Tamil Nadu Human Rights Commission had not been entertained, as the issues raised involved more than one State. The tribals, who were victims of atrocities, lived in remote areas without even basic amenities; they were reportedly unable to file complaints individually. During the discussions, suggestions were made concerning the need to hold public hearings by the Commission, in one or two places each in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as well as a public enquiry at Thalavadi Hill or Satya Mangalam by human rights acdvists and retiredjudges. v. The Commission considered the note of the DG(I) during its proceedings on 8 March 1999, and observed that the substance of the representation of Shri Batcha and the Tamil Nadu Tribal Peoples' Association was that the Commission should cause a meaningful and effective intervention which may culminate in the voluntary surrender of Veerappan, thus putting an end to the suffering of the local citizens, the periodic loss of lives and bloodshed, and the highly disturbed and insecure conditions in the area. The killings and retaliatory actions that an operation of this nature involved, could not, in the view of the Commission, be a regular and ongoing feature for decades. It was further noted, inter alia, that the Commission could not decide on an important and sensitive issue such as this without expert advice. It was therefore, observed that it would be advantageous if the opinion of a Committee of professional experts, with wide experience, could be had both on the advisability and the nature of the Commission's intervention, if it is held advisable and in the larger public interest. vi. The Commission also examined certain important data furnished by the DG(I), upon its request, on the nature of operations conducted thus fer against Veerappan and the costs involved in human and material terms. It thereafter held detailed discussions with the Chief Secretary and DGP of Tamil Nadu; and with the Principal Secretary (Home) and DGP, Karnataka, in a meeting held in New Delhi on 13 April 1999. A decision was then taken to forward the various complaints received by the Commission to the respective State Governments for appropriate action. vii. As regards the complaint received from Shri VP. Gunasekharan alleging the committing of atrocities on villagers by the JSTF of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the DGP, Karnataka, in a report dated 9 October 1998, stated that Veerappan and his gang were involved in 135 cases of murder, dacoity, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and other such serious crimes. While 59 cases had been registered in Karnataka, 76 cases had been registered in Tamil Nadu. While furnishing details of the important cases brought against Veerappan, the police denied any 102