Reports: Kidnapped Indian Actor Freed
N E W D E L H I, India, Nov. 15 -- A notorious bandit has released apopular Indian film star who was kidnapped more than three monthsago, news agencies reported today.
The bandit, Veerappan, a poacher and smuggler who is also asuspect in scores of murder cases, kidnapped movie icon Rajkumarand three others from the actor’s rural home in southern India onJuly 30.
There were no immediate details about how Rajkumar, 72, wasfreed. The actor was freed late Tuesday after months ofnegotiations and an attempt to free 51 of Veerappan’s accomplicesin return for Rajkumar’s safety, India’s news agencies reported.
The Supreme Court on Nov. 7 blocked the state governments ofTamil Nadu and Karnataka from releasing the convicts, sentenced formurder, sandalwood smuggling and poaching.
The kidnapping of Rajkumar, a veteran of hundreds of Kannadalanguage movies, had sparked violent strikes in the region, aspeople demanded quick government action to free him.
Like many people in southern India, the bandit and the actor useonly one name.
Wanted for Killing Police, Elephants
Veerappan, 56, is wanted in the two states for 130 murders, theslaughter of 2,000 elephants and the smuggling of ivory andsandalwood worth millions of dollars.
Veerappan has eluded police for more than 30 years by using hisknowledge of the jungle, where he is based. He is also protected byforest hunters and farmers who admire him.
Along with the release of the criminals, Veerappan had demanded$12 million in ransom.
During Rajkumar’s captivity, he was seen on television and heardon radio because Veerappan sent video and audio cassettes out ofthe jungle with a newspaper editor who was used by as a mediator innegotiations.
Rajkumar’s son-in-law, S.A. Govindaraj, who had been kidnappedwith him, was freed Oct. 16. Another kidnap victim, a friend of thefamily, escaped on Sept. 28. There was no immediate word on thethird man who had been taken away with Rajkumar.
