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STF combing operations in full swing to nab Veerappan

Fakir Chand in Bangalore

Three days after Veerappan abducted Janata Dal leader and former Karnataka minister H Nagappa, the joint Special Task Force of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is combing the Dimbam-Gundul area of the Satyamangalam forest range in the hope of finding the forest brigand and his hostage.

The STF soldiers, trained in guerrilla and mountain warfare, have cordoned off 10 square miles of the area till now.

But the state government is maintaining silence on the abduction with no official or minister willing to share information about the efforts of the STF to nab the brigand and rescue Nagappa.

There is also no official word yet on the audiocassette reportedly sent by Veerappan detailing his demands, which need to be met for Nagappa's freedom.

But sources told rediff.com that the state government was open for negotiations with Veerappan to secure the release of the former minister.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge denied that Inspector General of Police Kempaiah has been asked to head the Karnataka STF. The minister, however, admitted that Kempaiah was present at the forest to 'coordinate the STF strategy'.

H Nagappa Abduction: Complete coverage

The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar
The Hunt for Veerappan

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