Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SP)

Mysuru, Jul 9: A person lost one of his hands after a bullet fired by forest brigand and poacher, the now-deceased Veerappan, who was a notorious murderer, pierced through it. He has been waiting for government help. The person who lost his hand happens to be Gaffar from Punajanur near B R Hills near here.

Gafar, 65, says that he lost his hand in a gun attack launched by Veerappan, notorious for poaching elephant tusks, on August 9, 1996. He said that on that day, two people from Tamil Nadu had visited his house. They introduced themselves to be policemen. "When I offered them a seat in the verandah and was moving into the house, Veerappan suddenly made an appearance. He targeted me with his SLR gun and fired shots. The bullets hit my shoulder and fingers. I immediately fell down with my face down and held my breath. That is why I survived," he explained to the media.

After the attack, the gang went away. Gaffar was admitted into K R Hospital at Mysuru. The government footed his hospital bills. After returning from there he started a small business to restart his life but could not do much. Because of the problem of his hand, he could not work hard. He is aged, and health has not been good. He says he is getting Rs 1,200 by way of monthly pension and free bus pass but wonders how far these things can help him to lead a meaningful life.

"I borrowed Rs 25,000 for treating my heart problem. Now I am suffering from coronavirus infection. I am unable to move about. My wife, Fatimabi, suffers from diabetes. Chief minister Yediyurappa, has been helping many in his own way. We too would have led a comfortable life if he had helped us too in a similar way," he said with tears in his eyes.