Gopal back, hostages' fate hinges on Supreme Court verdict.

CHENNAI, Sept. 6. - The official emissary and Nakkheeran editor, Mr RR Gopal returned empty-handed this morning to report that Veerappan would release Rajkumar and his other hostages only after 121 detainees and five others held in Tamil Nadu were freed.

The hostages' fate would hinge on the Supreme Court verdict on the detainees, for Veerappan was very firm on his two main demands relating to their release, he told the media. " Until the Supreme Court gives its judgement... we are helpless", Mr Gopal said.

He met the Tamil Nadu chief minister, Mr M Karunanidhi, and briefed him on his failed negotiations with the forest brigand. His next trip to the jungles …