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Karnataka government to withdraw cases against Mani

Fakir Chand in Bangalore

The Karnataka government on Saturday decided to withdraw all five cases against Tamil nationalist leader Kolathur Mani and send him as an emissary to negotiate the release of former minister H Nagappa from forest brigand Veerappan's captivity.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the state council of ministers in Bangalore.

Briefing reporters after the two-hour meeting, Law Minister D B Chandre Gowda said the relevant courts would be informed about the state government's decision in a day or two.

Mani is currently lodged at the Bellary jail.

"In all, five cases are pending against Mani. Three cases are in the Karnataka high court and two cases in the Mysore sessions court. In one case Mani has been booked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act," the minister said.

In case it is not possible to withdraw some of the cases, like a few under the Arms Act, the bail applications moved by Mani will not be opposed by public prosecutors, Gowda said.

The cabinet meeting was held in the wake of a new 12-day deadline set by Veerappan to send Mani into the forest to negotiate Nagappa's release.

The Nagappa Abduction: complete coverage
The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

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