Politics : Bandit Blues

It would be naïve to believe that the current stalemate over the kidnapping of Raj Kumar by forest brigand Veerappan is only a matter of following due process of law. With the Supreme Court having stayed the release of TADA detinues from Karnataka’s jails, Veerappan, it has been reasonably concluded, would not release the Kannada actor. There are some considerations that seem to question such an explanation for the inaction at all points.

With the continued custody of Raj Kumar, Veerappan is obviously considerably lumbered. As every commentator and the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments have pointed out, it is Veerappan’s swift movement through the forest that has been his survival strategy and this will remain hampered as long he has to play nurse-maid to Raj Kumar. And take care of him he has to. For, if Raj Kumar is in any way harmed Veerappan cannot hope to survive, even in the forests.