Kolkata: Nata Mullick, the hangman who shot into limelight in the much-publicized execution of rapist and murderer Dhananjoy Chatterjee, today (Aug 22, 2004) dropped hints that he was willing to enter politics to "serve the country".

''If I get an opportunity to serve the country, I will take it,'' who inaugurated a blood-donation camp at Baltikuri in Howrah district, told newsmen when asked whether he had plans to join politics.

Mullick, already well at ease with his star status, seemed to be completely at home as he went through the ritual of cutting the ribbon and then doing a round of the camp along with his son Mahadeb to encourage the blood donors.

He even gave a small speech extolling the virtues of blood donation and reminding the audience about social responsibilities.

''On earlier occasions, we have had celebrities. This time, we wanted to have someone different,'' said Lakshmi Kanta Paul, a spokesman of the Mahabir Byam Samity which organized the camp.

After more than a decade of litigation, Chatterjee was hanged to death in the early hours of August 14 on charges of raping and murdering teenage girl Hetal Parekh. The case attracted much media attention and in the process, Mullick became a familiar face nationally.

Decidedly media-savvy and known to have demanded money and liquor from visiting media persons for suitable quotes and bytes, Mullick also appeared at a public rally with the Chief Minister's wife Meera Bhattacharjee to demand the execution of Chatterjee.