Bangalore: Bracing itself to meet the 12-day deadline set by forest brigand
Veerappan on the Nagappa hostage crisis, the Karnataka Cabinet decided to consider
withdrawing cases launched against jailed Tamil activist Kolathur Mani, whom the
bandit has been insisting as emissary.
"It is the unanimous opinion of the state Cabinet that on humanitarian grounds, all
necessary efforts should be made to secure the safe release of Nagappa. These
include considering withdrawal of cases against Mani and securing bail to him,"
Information Minister, Kagodu Thimmappa told reporters after the emergency Cabinet
meeting, convened to discuss the issue.
Law Minister D B Chandregowda said the government had discussed all legal options
available to it and on how to overcome legal hurdles within its limitations.
There were many legal hurdles, he said, adding that the government was also
examining how to get over the condition stipulated by the Supreme Court on
withdrawal of cases under Section 321 of Criminal Procedure Code.
Gowda said Mani's bail applications were pending in the state High Court in
connection with three cases. Two cases were pending before a lower court in Mysore
and Chamarajnagar.
The state High Court has adjourned the hearing of the bail application to November
28.
A case booked under TADA against Mani had already been withdrawn, he said.
An all-party meet held earlier in the day urged the government to send Mani as
emissary to negotiate the release of Nagappa with the bandit.
PTI
