Charges dropped against bandit associates

Special envoy RR Gopal (left) will return to the jungle

The authorities in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have dropped all charges against 121 suspected associates of the bandit Veerappan as part of attempts to win the release of the kidnapped film star Rajkumar.

Kidnap crisis

30 July: Veerappan kidnaps Rajkumar from his farmhouse

4 August: Cassette tape handed over with Veerappan's demands

12 August: Envoy returns from first mediation mission

24 August: Envoy returns from second mission

28 August: Charges against 121 Veerappan associates dropped

The decision was announced by the Karnataka chief minister, SM Krishna, hours after a court in the state granted bail to 51 alleged Veerappan associates stilll in prison.

Veerappan kidnapped Rajkumar nearly a month ago, and the release of the bandit's supporters was one of a number of demands in exchange for the actor's freedom.

Police 'excesses'

The state governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have already set aside $1m each for the rehabilitation of victims of the alleged excesses committed by the police in their hunt for the bandit in 1992-1993.

Sikhs in Delhi demand action against Veerappan

The specially emissary, RR Gopal, who has been negotiating with Veerappan, is expected to leave for his hideout in the jungle on Monday night with documentary proof of the government's latest response to his demands.

It will be his third mission to seek to the release of Rajkumar, who is revered in Karnataka, his home state.

The chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka met on Friday to discuss the protracted kidnap crisis.

Several demands

Veerappan kidnapped has made a series of demands for Rajkumar's release.

Film idol Rajkumar: Revered in Karnataka

These include political demands like referring a river dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to an international arbitrator, as well as the release of jailed associates.

The authorities have given way to most of his demands, but say legal hurdles are obstructing others.

Veerappan, who has been in hiding in the dense forests of southern India for years, has acquired near legendary status.

He is wanted in connection with the killing of 120 policemen.

He is also said to have slaughtered some 2,000 elephants and to be involved in massive ivory and sandalwood smuggling.