Dr Rajkumar was abducted by Veerappan from Gajanur on July 30, 2000, and remained in captivity for 108 days before his release
Dr Rajkumar was kidnapped by forest brigand Veerappan from Gajanur on July 30, 2000, during Bhima Amavasya. The actor remained in captivity for 108 days as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu authorities worked to secure his release.
NewsFlash Desk: The memory of Dr Rajkumar’s kidnapping by Veerappan returns with Bhima Amavasya, as the abduction that took place 26 years ago remains one of the major incidents in Karnataka’s recent history.
On July 30, 2000, Dr Rajkumar was staying at his farmhouse in Dodda Gajanur when Veerappan and his armed associates entered the premises and abducted him.
Rajkumar was taken into the forest along with his son-in-law Govindaraju, assistant Nagappa and relative Nagesh. He remained in captivity for 108 days before being released on November 15, 2000.
The incident led to negotiations and government efforts involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while Rajkumar’s family, colleagues in the Kannada film industry and people across Karnataka followed the developments.
Dr Rajkumar Kidnapping Took Place on Bhima Amavasya
Rajkumar had travelled to his farmhouse in Gajanur after receiving information that water had reached a newly drilled borewell in the village.
After dinner, he was sitting at the house when Veerappan’s associates entered the premises with weapons. A few minutes later, Veerappan himself entered the house.
According to accounts of the incident, Veerappan addressed Rajkumar and asked him to accompany him.
“Ayya, let's go.”
Veerappan then gave a cassette to Parvathamma Rajkumar and asked her to hand it over to then Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna.
He reportedly told her that the Chief Minister would understand what he wanted and assured her that Rajkumar would not be harmed.
Parvathamma Sent Three People With Rajkumar
Parvathamma was present at the farmhouse when the abduction took place. She sent Rajkumar’s son-in-law Govindaraju, assistant Nagappa and relative Nagesh with him so that he would have people accompanying him during his time in the forest.
Veerappan had initially intended to take the driver as well. However, the driver was left behind because Parvathamma needed transportation to return to Bengaluru.
Parvathamma later recalled the conversation with Veerappan and said:
“Today is a good time for you; you take him, I will pick him up.”
Veerappan and his associates then left the farmhouse with Rajkumar and the others, disappearing into the forest.
Parvathamma Reached S.M. Krishna’s House at 3 AM
After Rajkumar was taken away, Parvathamma and the driver began travelling from Gajanur towards Bengaluru. During the journey, she stopped at the residence of astrologer Bashyamswamy in Mysuru and sought advice regarding Rajkumar’s future.
She then continued towards Bengaluru and reached Chief Minister S.M. Krishna’s residence at around 3 am. Parvathamma woke the Chief Minister, explained the kidnapping and handed over the cassette given to her by Veerappan.
Krishna subsequently summoned senior officials, including then Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, DGP Dinakar, Home Secretary Prakash, Bhattacharya and Minister Sagir Ahmed, among others.
An emergency meeting was held to listen to the cassette and discuss steps to secure Rajkumar’s release.
Why Did Veerappan Kidnap Dr Rajkumar?
The kidnapping was associated with financial, political and organisational demands. Veerappan sought government concessions, including amnesty for himself and his gang members and the release of jailed associates. His demands also included issues raised by Tamil nationalist groups associated with him.
The abduction of Rajkumar gave Veerappan leverage in negotiations with the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Reports have also alleged that a ransom was paid for Rajkumar’s release, with some accounts estimating the amount at around ₹15.22 crore. However, reports and accounts concerning the alleged payment have differed.
Veerappan Considered Other Targets Before Rajkumar
Rajinikanth was reportedly considered, but the plan was abandoned because of the difficulty of abducting him from Chennai and taking him into the forest.
Another reported target was M.K. Stalin, son of then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. That plan was also not pursued because of Stalin’s security arrangements and his position as Chennai mayor at the time.
Rajkumar subsequently became a target because his farmhouse at Gajanur was located close to the forest area where Veerappan operated.
Dr Rajkumar Remained in Captivity for 108 Days
Rajkumar remained with Veerappan for 108 days following the kidnapping. During this period, negotiations continued over Veerappan’s demands as the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments worked to secure the actor’s release.
The kidnapping placed pressure on the governments while Rajkumar’s family and supporters waited for developments.
The incident also generated concern across Karnataka because of Rajkumar’s standing in Kannada cinema and his connection with the state’s cultural life. After 108 days in captivity, Rajkumar was released on November 15, 2000.
Dr Rajkumar Kidnapping Remains Linked to Bhima Amavasya
The abduction took place on July 30, 2000, which coincided with Bhima Amavasya that year.
The incident began at Rajkumar’s Gajanur farmhouse and developed into a 108-day captivity involving negotiations between Veerappan and authorities.
The kidnapping remains a significant chapter in the history of Dr Rajkumar and Veerappan and continues to be recalled in Karnataka when the date and circumstances of the abduction are discussed.
