Search the Internet          Tips

Emissary airs message to Veerappan

Sadananda R in Chamarajanagar.

The Karnataka government's official emissary, Ponnachi Mahadevaswamy, has broadcast his message to brigand Veerappan on All India Radio in Tamil.

In the short message, Mahadevaswamy requested Veerappan to release abducted former minister H Nagappa early in view of his failing health.

The following is the text of the message: "This is Ponnachi Mahadevaswamy speaking. Veerappan, in keeping with your demand in the third cassette, the Karnataka chief minister has agreed to send me as an emissary. I have just spoken to him in Bangalore. Your deadline of eight days is over and we are concerned [about Nagappa].

"The Karnataka chief minister has informed me that he is not in a position to send T S ['Kolathur'] Mani as you had requested. It will take some more days to get him released from the court. As soon as he is released the chief minister has promised to send him along with me.

"I assure you that I will come with Mani, once he comes out [of jail]. We both will come and meet you and try to fulfil your demands.

"But don't hold Nagappa with you till then. He is old and ill. It will become really difficult for him to live with you. It is almost two months since you abducted him. It is not fair if you keep him any longer. Keeping his age in your mind and his health, please release him.

"I promise you again that I will bring Mani along with me as soon as he comes out of jail. Now I have a recorded message from Mani to you.

"Please take care of Nagappa. Goodbye."

To convince Veerappan of the authenticity of his voice, the emissary reminded the brigand that he was the same 'Gundu' whom Veerappan knew since childhood by that nickname.

The AIR stations of Coimbatore and Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore in Karnataka are airing this message at regular intervals.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Cabinet was expected to meet on Wednesday evening to discuss the Nagappa abduction.

Since the deadline of eight days expired two days ago, the Lingayat community through its seers and leaders is exerting pressure on the government. Nagappa is a prominent member of the Lingayat community.

The Janata Dal, United, is planning to hold a rally in Mysore on Friday to press for Nagappa's early release.

Mahadevaswamy has already expressed doubts over the success of his mission without Mani.

With inputs from Fakir Chand in Bangalore

H Nagappa Abduction: Complete coverage
The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar
The Hunt for Veerappan

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report