The joint Special Task Force (STF) operation of Veerappan, constituted in 1991 by the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is considered one of the costliest in Indian history, consuming 1 billion over the years [REF].
As part of the operation, during the initial months of 2004, STF personnel infiltrated the villages where Veerappan was said to be roaming as hawkers, masons and local service staff.