INDIA’S most wanted bandit is dead but the hunt is on for millions of dollars many believe he left buried in plastic bags in the jungle, a police officer said today.

INDIA'S most wanted bandit, who had been seen by some as a Robin Hood figure, has been killed by police in a jungle gun battle while on his way to get treatment for an eye problem.

India’s most wanted bandit, accused of murdering police officers, slaughtering elephants and kidnapping a film star, has been killed in a jungle shootout with police after more than three decades on the run.

Hundreds of soldiers were tramping through dense tropical forests in southern India today, hunting an elusive bandit who kidnapped a former state minister.

Reports say one of India's most wanted criminals, Veerappan, is ready to surrender.