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The Rediff Interview/ Maradagi Nagappa

'Annavaru is fine'

Maradagi Nagappa appeared exhausted , tense and nervous after spending 60 days in the forest as Veerappan's hostage. Soon after he arrived at Gajanur on Thursday evening, he was put on medication.

In an interview with R Sadanand, for rediff.com, shortly before he was taken to Bangalore under tight police security at 0820, Nagappa spoke about his dramatic escape. He is the first man to escape after Kannada film thespian Rajakumar and he were taken hostage by the sandalwood brigand, Veerappan, on July 31.

How is Dr Rajakumar?

Annavaru is fine. He is doing yoga regularly and keeping good heath. Now he is free from his knee pain and can walk more easily than earlier.

How did you escape?

On 27th night Veerappan had gone out to offer pooja at some temple as it was Amavasyya Mahalaya Amavasa. After he returned from the temple he went into deep slumber. I rolled slowly from the place where I was sleeping. After sometime I started to walk and escaped. I trekked the whole night and then in the day without knowing in which direction I was going. Finally, at dusk, I reached the Bannari Amman temple on Dimbam road. From here I got into a bus and reached Tala Vadi.

Were you not afraid to walk in the forest during the night?

No. As we were in the forest for the last 60 days I am used to the forest. Hence, there was no fear.

Did you inform Dr Rajakumar about your escape plan?

No. I did not tell Dr Rajakumar.

What made you escape?

Hearing Parvathamma's voice over the radio made me mad. I could not tolerate her crying and pleading. I wanted to see her and meet her immediately. Hence, I escaped.

How many people are there with Veerappan?

Around sixteen people are there with Veerappan. One SLR is there. Many rifles which our policeman use are also there with them.

Do you know if Maran and other extremists are with Veeraappan?

No. I don't know anything about Maran. I only know there are around sixteen people with Veerappan.

Will Veerappan release Dr Rajakumar immediately?

He will release Dr Rajakumar, but he wants five people who are in a Tamil Nadu jail to be released. Till then I don't think he will release Dr Rajakumar.

As you have escaped, don't you think Veerappan may harm Dr Rajakumar and the other hostages?

No. He will not harm Dr Rajakumar. He respects Dr Rajakumar a lot. Not even one day has he misbehaved with Dr Rajakumar. Hence, I feel he will not harm Dr Rajakumar because I have escaped.

Gopal was holding talks with Veerappan when I escaped. He was with the group.

All the others are doing fine. Govindaraj (Dr Rajakumar's son-in-law) is keeping good health. And the same is with Nagesh (the actor's manager).

Veerappan changed our hiding places 32 times in the last 60 days. Rice and sambar is served twice a day. Veerappan is taking care of all the hostages properly.

The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

The Rediff Interviews

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