National

'Veerappan killed Nagappa to avenge Arjunan's death'

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE JAN. 7. Three associates of the forest brigand, Veerappan, who have been arrested by the Karnataka STF, have claimed that the brigand had murdered the Janata Dal (United) leader to avenge the killing of his brother, Arjunan, according to a release from the office of the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police.

The three, Amal Raj and his brother, Sagairaj, of Aladamaradadoddi, and Modhala Muttu alias Soratiya of Kadbur Kote in Kollegal taluk were arrested on the basis of the information given by Alexander alias Raja, who was arrested by the Tamil Nadu STF. Veerappan had claimed that Nagappa was killed in a cross-fire during an encounter. They said that Veerappan had planned to kidnap the Minister of State for Agro Processing, Raju Gowda, to extort money. Veerappan's associates, with the help of some local people, had kept a watch on the houses of Mr. Gowda and Nagappa for two months. The brigand had ``promised'' his associates that the ransom he would get by kidnapping Mr. Gowda would be given to all those who helped him.

The accused revealed to the police the names of those who had supplied arms and ammunition and food to Veerappan apart from sheltering him.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu