Kidnapped Indian film star set free

The Indian film star Rajkumar has been set free after a three-month kidnap ordeal, say Indian Government officials.

The star, aged 72, was abducted in July by one of India's most notorious bandits, Veerappan.

He was seized in the state of Tamil Nadu, but reports said he was set free in neighbouring Karnataka.

Veerappen had been demanding the freeing of dozens of jailed comrades in return for Rajkumar's freedom, but the deal was blocked by the Indian courts.

There were no immediate reports on Rajkumar's condition, or on whether any concessions had been made to Veerappan to gain the star's release.