CHENNAI, AUG 8: Two days after Veerappan's 10 point charter of demands was cleared by the governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, speculation was rife that the forest brigand's associates, particularly TNLA members, had detained Nakkeeran editor R R Gopal, who went as an emissary, in a house on the fringe of the forest.With the eight-day deadline set by the outlaw for meeting an emissary coming to an end today, there was no word from either Veerappan or Gopal if Kannada actor Rajkumar and three others would be released. It is a week since Gopal ventured into the forest to negotiate the release of the hostages. The rumour mills are working overtime due to comparatively longer time taken by the seasoned emissary in establishing links with the brigand.Though two cassettes - one with Rajkumar's message and another listing his demands - reached Chennai last week when Gopal was in the forest, the emissary himself has not returned.Interestingly, even while the release of Rajkumar and three others is awaited with bated breath by his family and Kannada film buffs, the outlaw has not responded to the ``acceptance'' of his demands announced by the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Chief Ministers.This has heightened anxiety among Rajkumar's relatives and the Kannada film industry, according to reports from Bangalore.Hpwever, the Nakkeeran office, in a press release here today, claimed that Gopal was still holding talks with Veerappan. The talks were progressing smoothly, according to a reliable source who came out of the forest on Monday night, the release said.Some good news from Gopal could be expected tomorrow, according to Nakkeeran assistant editor A Kamaraj, who came out with a press release.Meanwhile, state police headquarters here said it had no information on the movements of Gopal or the release of the hostages by Veerappan Speculations are rife in government and police circles here that the release of the Kannada film icon could take a week more as Veerappan is reluctant to do it without Karnataka freeing the 51 TADA detenus and Tamil Nadu releasing the five men belonging to TNLA and TNRT from its prisons. While the Karnataka CM has instructed the Public Prosecutor to make necessary arrangements for the bail of the detenus, the TN Government is holding discussions with the prison authorities.Another reason mentioned for Veerappan not responding to the feedback of the two governments on his demands is that he is expecting a huge sum as ransom from either of the governments. This may be in addition to the 10 demands.It may be noted that the Karnataka film industry has announced its willingness to bear the financial burden of paying a ransom to Veerappan to obtain Rajkumar's safe release.
