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No fresh demand by Veerappan, says Krishna: PTI

Forest brigand Veerappan had not raised any 'fresh issues' in the latest video cassette sent by him, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna said in Bangalore on Saturday.

He told reporters after viewing the tape along with Home Minister M Mallikarjuna Kharge that the cassette showed journalist-emissary, R R Gopal engaged in negotiations with Veerappan.

Krishna said the state had already communicated its responses through the emissary to the demands made by Veerappan, who in the latest cassette, had only reiterated his earlier demands.

Reacting to Friday Supreme Court order, which indefinitely stayed the release of 30 Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (prevention) Act detenus from Mysore jails, he said, 'We cannot be insensitive to what the Supreme Court says."

"We have to honour the court verdict. The state has asked its counsels to continue efforts towards early disposal of the Special Leave Petition," Krishna said.

The apex court had passed the order on a SLP filed by Abdul Karim, father of police sub-inspector Shakeel Ahmed, who was killed by the Veerappan gang in 1992.

Krishna defended the state's reliance on Nakkeeran editor Gopal to negotiate with Veerappan, indicating that there was no other alternative.

Asked why the government could not directly negotiate with Veerappan, he asked, "Where is the means of doing so. How are we to establish contact?"

He said since the kidnap occurred in Tamil Nadu, "We are doing everything through the Tamil Nadu government. If it was in Karnataka, we could have chosen some other means."

The state had to depend upon the persons who could do the job, he said, apparently referring to Gopal.

Asked if the government would change its strategy, Krishna said it was reviewing the situation every day, but would not like to adopt any fresh strategy.

Krishna said he had had a telephonic conversation with his Tamil Nadu counterpart, M Karunanidhi Friday night and added he had no plans to visit Madras now.

He said Tamil superstar Rajnikanth had called on him Friday night and discussed developments.

Asked if Rajnikant had offered to play any new role, Krishna quipped, "He will continue to play the same role he has played in the past."

Rajnikanth also met Dr Rajakumar's family members.

PTI

The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

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