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Karnataka consulting Mani on next step

After suspending STF operations following its failure to capture sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, the Karnataka government is believed to be holding consultations with Kolluthur Mani about a possible way to solve the abduction crisis through negotiations.

Veerappan had earlier demanded that the STF suspend its operations and that Mani be sent to him to negotiate the release of ex-minister H Nagappa. At present, Mani is imprisoned in the Bellary jail on charges of colluding with Veerappan during Kannada actor Rajakumar's abduction.

Mani had refused to act as an emissary, but had appealed, through the All India Radio, to Veerappan to release Nagappa.

Sources said that Mani, after asking the government to suspend STF operations, is now trying to establish contact with the brigand. An STF officer, on condition of anonymity, even said that Mani's representative has already entered the forest.

Meanwhile, the National Security Guards has expressed doubts about its ability to make any useful contribution to the operations to nab Veerappan, an NSG officer said. The NSG team wants to return to its base, he added.

Sources said the state government is also having second thoughts about further continuation of the helicopter in the operations. For one, they said, it is very expensive. Secondly, air surveillance has not proved to be of any use in locating Veerappan in the thick forest on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, they added.

EARLIER REPORT
STF operations suspended: Krishna

H Nagappa Abduction: Complete coverage
The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar
The Hunt for Veerappan

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