Veerappan’s Rs 5-cr ransom demand rejected

Veerappan was warned that “if there is any danger to the lives of the hostages, he (Veerappan) will be solely responsible for it and made accountable thereof”.

The joint announcement of the Governments comes in the wake of a ministerial delegation from Karnataka holding talks with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and officials on the Veerappan issue at the Secretariat earlier in the day.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi emphasised the fact that any sympathetic consideration of amnesty for the dreaded sandalwood smuggler Veerappan’s is strictly contingent upon his surrender and subjection to subsequent criminal procedures.

Veerappan should understand that grant of a blanket amnesty at this juncture was not possible, he said, adding that whatever was legalities would be considered.

The Chief Minister said Veerappan’s latest demand of Rs five crore for the safe release of the eight hostages held by him since July 12 was discussed in the meeting.

The Karnataka team told him that the details of the talks would be conveyed to his Karnataka counterpart J H Patel, and he expected a response from Patel in this regard.

Earlier, an official press release said the Karnataka delegation expressed its gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for taking efforts to release the kidnapped persons, and sought further assistance.

Karunanidhi has promised the Karnataka team complete support.Among those taking part in the meeting were Karnataka Law Minister M C Naniah, Forest Minister Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) N A Muthanna, Deputy General of Police T Srinivasalu, and Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary K A Nambiar.