CHENNAI, July 23: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today watched a video cassette, containing the demands and conditions of forest brigand Veerappan for the release of nine forest officials held hostage by him.

The cassette, videographed by the State government's emissary and Nakkeeran Tamil weekly editor R R Gopal was handed over to the Chief Minister by Gopal on his return from Bargur forests, meeting Veerappan there.

Besides the editor, his colleague Sivasubramaniam who accompanied Gopal, and the Chief Minister, the cassette was watched by chief secretary K A Nambiar, home secretary R Poornalingam, intelligence chief A X Alexander and city police commissioner K Rajagopal at the Chief Minister's cabinet room. Asked if his mission would succeed, a tired-looking Gopal told waiting mediapersons, ``I want this to end in success''.

Gopal said the cassette, containing Veerappan's demands and conditions for release of the hostages was videographed during his 24-hour stay with the elusive smuggler but declined to give details of the contents. Asked whether he would go back to meet the fugitive, Gopal said, ``This is my life, I have conveyed what to say to Veerappan and brought feedback. I can't act as a postman''.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.