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Gopal was confident of Rajakumar's release by Tuesday

Shobha Warrier in Madras

Nakkeeran editor R R Gopal, who returned to Madras from the forests on Saturday, morning, was confident about bringing back Dr Rajakumar by Tuesday, October 3. The Kannada thespian has been held captive by sandalwood brigand Veerappan since July 31.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said the moment the editor got a signal from Veerappan, Gopal -- emissary for the Karnataka and TN governments -- would make his fifth journey to the jungle. "It could be either today or tomorrow. If he got a signal now, he would start now," Karunanidhi said.

Gopal entered the forests on Tuesday and spoke to Veerappan on Tuesday and Wednesday. After M Nagappa's escape on Thursday, he said he could not proceed any further. "Veerappan was extremely angry and upset over the escape. He was very, very angry," he disclosed.

At that very moment, he said, Veerappan decided to change his hideout. "I knew there was no point in going with them at that time. So, I left the gang and came back."

Gopal said Veerappan had not made any fresh demands. "But for the escape, I would have come back this time with Dr Rajakumar and the others," he said.

"I virtually convinced Veerappan about the sincerity on the part of the two governments in releasing the TADA detenues and the five Tamil extremists. Veerappan was also happy about what the Centre had done on this issue," he added.

The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

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