Fresh protest over kidnapped film star

There has been another protest in the southern Indian state of Karnataka over the failure of the authorities to secure the release of the kidnapped film star, Rajkumar.

He has been held hostage by the bandit Veerappan for nearly two months.

Shops and schools were closed in the city of Mysore and the streets empty of traffic in response to a strike call by Rajkumar's fans.

There have been several protests in recent days as the state government continues its efforts to free the star.

An official mediator is currently visiting Veerappan's jungle hideout to try to resolve the situation.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service