Vidya Veerappan, also known as Vidya Rani or Vijayalakshmi Veerappan, is a name that resonates with intrigue and transformation. Born on October 30, 1990, in Salem, Tamil Nadu, she is the elder daughter of Koose Munisamy Veerappan, one of India’s most notorious bandits, and Muthulakshmi. While her father’s life was defined by crime—sandalwood smuggling, elephant poaching, kidnapping, and murder—Vidya has carved a distinct path as a lawyer, educator, and politician. Today, she is a figure of resilience, rising above the shadow of her father’s legacy to make a mark in Tamil Nadu’s socio-political landscape.
Early Life: Born Amidst Chaos
Vidya Veerappan’s entry into the world was anything but ordinary. Her parents, Veerappan and Muthulakshmi, married in a forest temple in January 1990, amidst Veerappan’s reign as a feared brigand in the Sathyamangalam Forest, straddling Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. For the first eight months of her pregnancy, Muthulakshmi lived with Veerappan in the dense jungle, evading law enforcement. However, as her delivery approached, the fear of arrest loomed large. Muthulakshmi’s father took her to Chennai, where she surrendered to the police. She was placed in a women’s hostel, and it was there that Vidya was born.
Her birth name, Vijayalakshmi, was given a new twist when an officer from the Special Task Force (STF), Sylendra Babu, named her Vidya Rani. This name would later become synonymous with her public identity. Growing up, Vidya had little direct contact with her father, who remained a fugitive until his death in 2004. She met him only once, at the age of six, during a school vacation at her grandfather’s village, Gopinatham, near Hanur in Karnataka. In that brief encounter, Veerappan urged her to "study well, become a doctor, and serve people"—words that left a lasting impression on her.
Vidya’s early years were marked by upheaval. After her birth, her mother faced constant scrutiny from authorities, and the family lived under the shadow of Veerappan’s criminal empire. Vidya was sent to a boarding school—St. Joseph’s Residential School in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu—at a very young age, a decision that shielded her from the chaos of her father’s life but distanced her from her family.
Education: Shaping a New Identity
Education became Vidya Veerappan’s refuge and the cornerstone of her transformation. Despite the stigma of being Veerappan’s daughter, she excelled academically. She completed her schooling at St. Joseph’s and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Women’s Christian College in Chennai. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there—she enrolled in a five-year integrated B.A. LL.B. program at VV Puram Law College in Bangalore, graduating as a qualified lawyer.
Vidya credits her teachers and the education system for molding her character. In an interview with The Hindu in 2020, she said, “If my teachers and sisters were not there for me, I would not be the person I am today. Coming from this background, it was education that has molded me.” Her academic journey reflects her determination to break free from her father’s notorious legacy and build a life rooted in service and justice.
Personal Life: Love, Conflict, and Resilience
Vidya Veerappan’s personal life has been as eventful as her public journey. In 2011, she married Mariya Deepak, a Christian man she met at a college function. Their relationship blossomed over two years, culminating in a registered marriage on April 23, 2011, at the Kodambakkam Sub-Registrar’s office in Chennai. The couple has two children—a son and a daughter.
However, her marriage faced resistance from her mother, Muthulakshmi, who disapproved of Deepak’s religious background. This led to a dramatic episode in 2011 when Muthulakshmi convinced Vidya to return to their hometown under the pretext of accepting the marriage. Once there, she prevented Vidya from rejoining her husband. Deepak filed a habeas corpus petition in court, and when Vidya was produced before Justices C. Nagappan and M. Sathyanarayanan, she affirmed her desire to live with her husband. At 21, she was legally entitled to make her own decision, and the court allowed the couple to reunite.
This incident showcased Vidya’s resolve to assert her independence, a trait that would later define her political career.
Career: From Educator to Politician
Vidya Veerappan’s professional life reflects her commitment to social good. After completing her law degree, she settled in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, where she runs a small school for children. The school, staffed by seven teachers, offers a regular curriculum alongside extracurricular activities, spoken English classes, and civil services coaching on weekends. Her work as an educator underscores her desire to empower the next generation, particularly in underprivileged communities.
Her political journey began in 2020 when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Introduced to the party by a local leader impressed by her social work, Vidya quickly rose through the ranks. Within months, she was appointed Vice-President of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu Youth Wing and later served as Vice-President of the Backward Morcha. She admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and saw the BJP as a platform to serve the people. However, after a stint of about two years, she grew disillusioned, feeling the party didn’t align with her grassroots aspirations.
In 2024, Vidya made a significant shift, joining the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), a Tamil nationalist party. Her decision was influenced by the ZEE5 docu-series Koose Munisamy Veerappan, which revisited her father’s life and ideology. She found resonance between Veerappan’s ideals—however flawed—and NTK chief Seeman’s vision. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Vidya contested from Krishnagiri as an NTK candidate, facing strong contenders like Congress’s K. Gopinath, BJP’s C. Narasimhan, and AIADMK’s V. Jayaprakash. Her campaign focused on local issues—employment for youth, water for farmers, a railway station in Krishnagiri, and better healthcare—while drawing inspiration from her father’s Robin Hood-like persona among the marginalized.
Vidya’s Perspective on Veerappan’s Legacy
Vidya Veerappan’s relationship with her father’s legacy is complex. She acknowledges his crimes—responsible for over 184 deaths, including 97 police and forest officials, and the poaching of 900 elephants—but also highlights the socio-economic context that shaped him. In a 2023 interview with The Indian Express, she remarked, “Yes, he committed crimes, but what about those who received the ivory and sandalwood? I’m not justifying his acts, but they were for survival, not luxury.”
To many in Tamil Nadu’s tribal and Vanniyar communities, Veerappan remains a folk hero who challenged systemic neglect. Vidya draws inspiration from this perception, not his criminality. “My father is my inspiration,” she told ThePrint in 2024. “People told me he helped others. I want to serve society in my own way.”
Political Aspirations and Public Reception
Vidya’s transition from the BJP to NTK marked a return to her Tamil roots. As an NTK candidate, she emphasized Tamil nationalism and local welfare, distancing herself from national party dynamics. During her 2024 campaign, she was warmly received in Krishnagiri, with many viewing her as a familial figure rather than just a politician. Her promises to uplift farmers and empower women struck a chord in a constituency long neglected by mainstream politics.
Though NTK has yet to win a seat, Vidya’s candidacy brought fresh attention to the party. Win or lose, her entry into electoral politics signals her intent to redefine her identity on her terms.
Conclusion
Vidya Veerappan’s life is a testament to resilience and reinvention. From a childhood overshadowed by her father’s infamy to her current role as a politician and advocate, she has navigated immense challenges with grace. Her journey—from the forests of her father’s domain to the ballot boxes of Krishnagiri—offers a compelling narrative of redemption and purpose. As she continues to evolve, Vidya remains a figure to watch in Tamil Nadu’s political arena.
Top FAQs About Vidya Veerappan
- Who is Vidya Veerappan?
Vidya Veerappan, also known as Vidya Rani, is the elder daughter of infamous bandit Veerappan. She is a lawyer, educator, and politician who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, as an NTK candidate. - What is Vidya Veerappan’s educational background?
Vidya holds a B.A. from Women’s Christian College, Chennai, and a B.A. LL.B. from VV Puram Law College, Bangalore. - Is Vidya Veerappan married?
Yes, she married Mariya Deepak in 2011. They have two children—a son and a daughter. - Which political parties has Vidya Veerappan been associated with?
She joined the BJP in 2020, serving as Vice-President of its Tamil Nadu Youth Wing and Backward Morcha, before switching to Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in 2024. - What inspired Vidya Veerappan to enter politics?
Vidya draws inspiration from her father’s perceived benevolence and aims to serve society, influenced by her education and the docu-series Koose Munisamy Veerappan. - What does Vidya Veerappan do professionally?
She runs a small school in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, and is a trained lawyer. - How does Vidya view her father Veerappan’s legacy?
She acknowledges his crimes but sees him as a product of circumstance, drawing inspiration from his help to the poor rather than his criminal acts. - Did Vidya Veerappan meet her father often?
No, she met Veerappan only once, at age six, during a brief encounter in her grandfather’s village.
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