Bangalore: Karnataka government on August 31 declined to make public whether it was
deputing an emissary to negotiate the release of abducted former minister H Nagappa
from the clutches of notorious poacher-smuggler Veerappan, even as the kidnap crisis
entered the seventh day.
"I can't tell you," was the refrain of Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge when
reporters queried whether the government is sending an emissary to negotiate the
release of Nagappa in tune with its resolve to lay emphasis on negotiation to
resolve the kidnap crisis.
Emerging out of the state Cabinet meeting, he also refused to share information
whether the special task force (STF) has launched combing operations to flush out
the bandit, saying, "STF has been given full powers. It would act according to the
situation and the direction of superior officers.
State DGP, V V Bhaskar is camping there."
He said the government's primary concern was to get the safe release of Nagappa and
the STF would work towards this end.
Kharge denied having held any meeting with top police officials including the state
STF Commander, R P Sharma.
Sharma rushed from Gundal STF base and had a 15-minute meeting this morning with
Kharge, official sources said.
Kharge and Chief Minister S M Krishna denied that Veerappan had sent the second
cassette.
PTI
