Zeenext Bureau Bangalore/Chennai, Aug: 29: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Tuesday said that the Supreme Court’s stay on granting bail to 51 TADA detenus, would not hamper official emissary R.R. Gopal’s mission to secure the release of abducted Kannada film star Rajkumar and three others from Veerappan’s clutches. Karunanidhi told reporters that the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments will not go back on their word. “I am sure Veerappan will understand this. The brigand knows court proceedings and the order will not affect Gopal’s mission in any way. He will hold negotiations with Veerappan to free Rajkumar.” Karnataka to file counter-appeal The Karnataka government will file a counter-appeal in the Supreme Court against its stay. Chief Minister S. M. Krishna told the media in Bangalore on Tuesday that Advocate-General A.N. Jayaram, who is at present in New Delhi, will be flying down to Bangalore to discuss the case. He would then return to file the petition. The AG has been asked to take appropriate action to defend the government decision to grant bail to the 51 detenus.
Asked to comment on Karim’s action of going to the Supreme Court, Krishna would only say: “Every citizen has a fundamental right to air his grievance. We will go before the Supreme Court and explain the circumstances under which the government acted.” Asked if all this would delay Rajkumar’s release, he said, “We don’t think so. Because, Veerappan is more interested in the government’s intention of releasing the detenus. On our part, we are doing everything to secure their release.” Krishna also appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and harmony. Law Minister D.B. Chandregowda said Veerappan should realize that governments cannot dictate terms to the Supreme Court.