Former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna, who passed away at 92 early Tuesday, leaves behind a legacy marked by remarkable leadership during turbulent times. One of the most dramatic episodes of his tenure was the safe rescue of Kannada cinema legend Dr. Rajkumar, who was abducted by the notorious forest brigand Veerappan in 2000. This crisis tested Krishna’s leadership mettle and highlighted his political acumen.
On July 30, 2000, Rajkumar, along with his son-in- law and a relative , was abducted by Veerappan from Gajanur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, during a housewarming ceremony. The kidnapping shocked Karnataka, as the 72-year-old actor was a cultural icon, revered by millions. Veerappan, infamous for his brutal reign in the forests, had already evaded law enforcement for decades, killing over 160 people and engaging in large-scale poaching and sandalwood smuggling.
The crisis unfolded barely a year into Krishna’s tenure as Chief Minister. As fans of Rajkumar erupted in rage across Karnataka, protests and unrest threatened to spiral out of control. The CM’s immediate focus was on ensuring the actor’s safety while managing the volatile public sentiment.
A Delicate Negotiation
Krishna worked tirelessly with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi to devise a strategy. A key player in the negotiations was Tamil magazine Nakkeeran’s editor R.R. Gopal, who had prior experience dealing with Veerappan. Despite numerous setbacks, including Veerappan’s shifting demands and his unpredictability, Krishna maintained composure. He coordinated closely with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and mediators to navigate the hostage situation.
In his biography “Smritivahini”, Krishna credited Karunanidhi for his unwavering support during the crisis. “Without Karunanidhi’s cooperation, it would have been nearly impossible to bring Rajkumar home safely,” Krishna wrote, emphasizing the cross-border collaboration between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
108 Days of Ordeal
For 108 harrowing days, Rajkumar and his fellow captives endured Veerappan’s unpredictable behavior deep in the dense Male Mahadeshwara Hills forests. Yet, the actor later recounted that Veerappan treated him with a measure of respect, sparing him physical harm. In a press conference following his release on November 15, 2000, Rajkumar remarked that the ordeal felt like “a perfect script for a movie.”
The details of the negotiations that led to his release remain shrouded in mystery, with some reports suggesting the involvement of Tamil nationalist sympathizers who influenced Veerappan. Meanwhile, Krishna’s government kept a tight lid on specifics, focusing instead on ensuring Rajkumar’s safe return and maintaining public order.
Veerappan’s Downfall
The kidnapping of Rajkumar marked a turning point in Veerappan’s criminal career. Intelligence agencies, including the Tamil Nadu Special Task Force (STF), used insights gained from the incident to weaken his operations. Over the following years, the STF meticulously studied Veerappan’s movements, culminating in his death in a 2004 operation codenamed “Cocoon.”
Vijay Kumar, a senior officer who played a pivotal role in Veerappan’s elimination, reflected on the significance of Rajkumar’s kidnapping. “It exposed Veerappan’s growing greed and overconfidence, which eventually led to his downfall,” he noted.
A Legacy of Leadership
SM Krishna’s deft handling of the Rajkumar kidnapping solidified his reputation as a crisis manager. However, his tenure also saw challenges like the severe drought of 2002, which ultimately affected his government’s reelection prospects in 2004.
Krishna’s calm demeanor and strategic foresight during the Rajkumar crisis earned him admiration across Karnataka. The incident showcased his ability to balance public sentiment with the complexities of negotiating with a dangerous outlaw.
Dr. Rajkumar, who passed away in 2006, remained grateful for the efforts that secured his release. Ironically, his son Shiva Rajkumar would later portray the officer who eliminated Veerappan in the film Killing Veerappan.
As Karnataka mourns the passing of SM Krishna, his role in ensuring the safe return of Karnataka’s Annavaru stands as a testament to his leadership during one of the most tumultuous episodes in the state’s history.
