Bangalore: Behind-the-scene efforts are being made to secure the safe release of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader H Nagappa, who is held captive by forest brigand Veerappan since August 25, according to a senior JD (U) leader.

"Efforts are being made through some persons who helped in the release of Kannada thespian Rajkumar from Veerappan. But we have to see," the JD (U) leader said on condition of anonymity, pinning hopes on this for an end to the kidnap drama which entered the 43rd day on October 6.

The leader, however, did not disclose details of the backdoor mission that was underway at the initiative of supporters of Nagappa, who was kidnapped from his farm house at Kamagere in Chamrajnagar district.

The government was also being kept posted with the developments, he said.

"In the absence of frontline negotiators (who mediated during the Rajkumar kidnap crisis and who are now in jail), we are contacting second-line, third-line acquaintances for establishing contact with Veerappan," another source actively involved in the initiative, said.

Efforts are being made to secure the release on the "same pattern" adopted during the Rajkumar kidnap drama, and "we are exploring alternative persons", he said. Asked if any contact had been established with Veerappan gang, he said, "It is a continuing process."

Reports since last one week have suggested that after government failed to find a suitable mediator, Janata Parivar leaders with the backing of a senior pontiff of Veerashaiva community, to which Nagappa belongs, and his supporters have been trying hard to end the kidnap crisis.

PTI