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India's most wanted bandit, Veerappan, was shot dead late on Monday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, police said.

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They said the ambulance he was travelling in was ambushed in Dharmapuri district by the Special Task Force (STF). Picture: R Senthil Kumar.

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The police said Veerappan's three associates were also killed in the shootout, which lasted about 20 minutes. Picture: R Senthil Kumar.

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Police escort Veerappan's wife after she has identified his body

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STF chief Vijay Kumar (centre) celebrated the success of Operation Cocoon with his men.

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Some local residents said police should have captured and brought Veerappan to account for more than 100 murders he had been associated with. Picture: R Senthil Kumar.

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Koose Muniswamy Veerappan had been on the run since 1986, when he escaped from a prison by killing four policemen.