The body of forest brigand Veerappan, who was killed in a gun battle with a Special Task Force of the Tamil Nadu police on Monday night, was buried early on Wednesday morning amidst tight security at Moolakadu near Mettur.

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Veerappan's wife Muthulakshmi, his daughter Vijayarani Yuvarani and his brother's wife Muniapppa were present at the burial ground.

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A large crowd watched as the dreaded sandalwood smuggler was laid to rest at 0635 IST.

Muthulakshmi criticised Salem SP Pon Manickavel for not handing over her husband's body in time for it to be taken to Veerappan's native place, Gobinatham in Kollegal taluk in Karnataka.

Veerappan's body was brought here on Tuesday night from the Dharmapuri government hospital in an ambulance. His wife and relatives accompanied the body.