Police chief sent team to meet Veerappan: Nakkeeran editor

Gopal added that Netrikan editor Mani left for Coimbatore and then proceeded to the forests via Sathyamangalam with the audio cassette.

Gopal refuted the theory floated by Kalimuthu that the latter was not informed of the visit. “This means that either Kalimuthu was acting on his own or the CM had sent them into the forests. The whole truth came out only when I received a copy of the cassette sent by Kalimuthu toVeerappan, this morning.”

Gopal was sceptical about the Rs 8 lakh demand theory. “I do not know what the Rs 8 lakh is meant for. Normally, Veerappan demands crores of rupees as ransom.” But he refused to comment on whether the Netrikan team was really taken as hostage. “I do not know anything about this. If required, I am always ready to go into the forests and negotiate,” he added. Gopal played the tape sent by Kalimuthu to mediapersons on Thursday. Kalimuthu had stated in the tape that he had not tortured any person in the forest ever since he took over as the STF chief. “Even your three gang members who surrendered through Mani have been treated properly.” Kalimuthu had assured Veerappan that the police would not gun him down if he surrendered. “You must turn over a new leaf and avoid causing more and more embarrassments and trouble to the government. All the cases against you and your gang members will be transferred to Tamil Nadu soon and you need not have any fear about being sentenced todeath by hanging.”

“It is good for you and your gang members if you surrender soon. You would have heard of me from the villagers. I always believe in non-violence,” Kalimuthu had said. He had asked Veerappan to communicate through the Netrikan reporter, Payumpuli and had told him that his demands would be considered. “Your wife and children will be given government jobs.

Payumpuli had earlier brought a message from you about your intentions to surrender and the message was conveyed to the CM. All your cases will be handled by Netrikan Mani and advocate Krishnasamy. I promise to treat you with respect if you surrender,” Kalimuthu had stated.

`NETRIKAN’ EDITOR REFUTES CHARGES: Netrikan editor A S Mani has denied that he took an audio cassette from Kalimuthu to Veerappan. “We went on our own and no one gave us any cassette. Veerappan has set a deadline till Saturday and has demanded that all the cases against him and his gang members should be handed over to Tamil Nadu soon.” Veerappan hasdemanded a written assurance from TN Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. However, Kalimuthu was not available for comments.