Indian politician shot 'close up'

Mr Nagappa's death has led to angry protests

The kidnapped former Indian minister found dead on Sunday was shot at point blank range, his autopsy has revealed.

This has strengthened suspicions that H Nagappa, from the southern state of Karnataka, was killed by the notorious bandit Veerappan, who had held him hostage for over 100 days.

Nagappa: killed by a single bullet

In an audiotaped message released by Veerappan hours before Mr Nagappa's body was found, the bandit accused Tamil Nadu police of killing his captive in a gun battle.

This charge has been strongly denied by the Tamil Nadu police and state government.

However, some police officials in Karnataka who did not wish to be named said that Mr Nagappa could have been caught in crossfire.

The autopsy report also indicated that Mr Nagappa may have been dead for four days before his body was found in the jungle bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Unrest

"One bullet has been found in the body", T Srinivasulu, Karnataka state security advisor, told Reuters.

Police chief T Madiyal said investigators are yet to find the weapon that was used to shoot Mr Nagappa.

A funeral for Mr Nagappa took place on Monday evening in his hometown of Kamagere in Karnataka state.

There were tense exchanges between police and supporters of Mr Nagappa, who prevented a ministerial representative attending the funeral.

"Stone throwing took place in some areas but the situation is under control," T Srinivasulu said.

Veerappan: Self-styled "Robin Hood"

Supporters of Mr Nagappa, a former agriculture minister and leader of the Janata Dal party, accuse the Congress Party state government led by SM Krishna of not doing enough to secure his release.

This charge has been echoed by opposition members of Karnataka assembly and chief whip of India's ruling BJP, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, said in parliament on Monday said that Mr Krishna was "responsible" for the murder.

Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday evening, SM Krishna announced a reward of 20 million rupees ($400,000) for anyone with information that could lead to the bandit's arrest.

He said that he would ask Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to convene a joint meeting of chief ministers of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala states to formulate a joint strategy to track down Veerappan.