Kozhikode: Kanchi Sankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, today (Oct 30, 2004) said he was aware of the reports that slain forest brigand, Veerappan had plans to abduct him to strike a "rich" deal with the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments.

"I was informed earlier that Veerappan wanted to hold me captive at some point of time so that he can strike a big deal with both the Governments," the Sankaracharya told reporters in Kozhikode.

He was reacting to media reports quoting the STF (Special Task Force) that the Sankaracharya appeared prominently in Veerappan's abduction list.

"That was when Veerappan held Karnataka matinee idol, Rajkumar captive for over 100 days," the Pontiff said.

The outlaw was reportedly keen to abduct him before releasing Rajkumar so that he could demand a ransom, the Sankaracharya added.