Muthulakshmi

Muthulakshmi is the widow of Veerappan, sandalwood smuggler who was killed by Special Task Force police in 2004. She lived in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.[1] She was born in Neruppore village, Dharmapuri District to a farming family.[2]..

Wife of Veerappan

She married Veerappan in 1990,[1] and lived with him in the forests of the border areas Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.[3] She was arrested several times on charges of aiding and abetting various crimes and murders carried out by Veerappan's gang.[1] The police also charged that Veerappan gave Muthulakshmi a large amount of money after he reportedly received ransom money for his role in Kannada actor Rajkumar's kidnapping.[4]

Arrests

Five charges were laid against Muthulakshmi, including: killing police personnel in the Palar blast, killing elephants, and smuggling sandalwood between 1991 and 1993.[1][5] She was also arrested for kidnapping Rajkumar alongside Veerappan (he was released after 108 days). In spite of the efforts of the police, they were unable to apprehend Veerappan. Muthulakshmi was acquitted along with 10 others; however, 13 of her relatives were convicted.[4] Muthulakshmi was acquitted of almost all charges registered against her.[1]

Personal life

Muthulakshmi has two daughters, Vidyarani and Prabha, who are studying engineering in Tamil Nadu.[1]

After her acquittal announced she would be undertaking social service activities to help people and those who were affected by law enforcement agencies for helping Veerappan.[1] She filed a case against filmmaker A.M.R. Ramesh for showing her slain husband poorly in his film, Vana Yuddham and received compensation of Rs.25 lakhs before the picture was released.[6][7]

Political views

Muthulakshmi unsuccessfully ran for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2006,[8] and has political ambitions to make use of her husband's "Robin Hood" image to help people.[4]

In January 2018 she announced the formation of 'Mann Kaakkum Veerathamizhar Peramaippu' (Federation of Brave Tamils to protect the Soil) to lobby the government for fresh water to assist agriculture and farmers.[9][10]

References
  1. Shiva Kumar, M T (26 April 2011). "Muthulakshmi to bring out book on 'police atrocities'". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  2. "Veerappans widow Muthulakshmi acquitted in actor Rajkumar kidnap case". India Today. 30 October 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  3. Kalkod, Rajiv (18 October 2014). "My husband Veerappan was felled by corruption: Wife". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  4. "Veerappan's widow Muthulakshmi was acquitted in actor Rajkumar kidnap case". India Today. 30 October 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
  5. "Muthulakshmi taken to Erode". The Hindu. 26 April 2011. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  6. "Filmmaker allays wife's qualms over Veerappan biopic". The Hindu. 3 May 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  7. Venkatesan, J (15 February 2013). "SC asks film producer to pay Rs. 25 lakh to Veerappan's widow". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  8. Satish, D.P. (31 May 2016). "Veerappan's Wife Says He Was Not a Monster". News18. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  9. "Veerappan's widow Muthulakshmi launches outfit to 'fight for Tamil Nadu's rights'". The New Indian Express. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  10. "Muthulakshmi Veerappan's wife launches new forum". Deccan Chronicle. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
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