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{{short description|Indian writer, journalist}}
{{Short description|Indian journalist and editor (born 1959)}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2021}}
{{BLP sources|date=May 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name        = Nakkeeran Gopal
| name        = Nakkheeran Gopal
| image        =
| image        = Nakkheeran Gopal, 2006 (cropped).jpg
| imagesize    = 103x107
| imagesize    =  
| caption      =
| caption      = Nakkheeran Gopal, 2006
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1959|4|10|df=yes}}
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1959|4|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = Aruppukottai.
| birth_place  = [[Aruppukkottai|Aruppukottai]], Tamil Nadu, India
| birthname    = Nakkheeran Gopal
| birthname    = Rajagopal
| citizenship  = [[India]]
| citizenship  = [[India]]
| occupation  = Journalist
| occupation  = [[Politician]]
| years_active = 1988 – present
| years_active = 1988 – present
| website      = https://www.nakkheeran.in
| website      = https://www.nakkheeran.in
| religion    =
| awards      = Thanthai Periyar Award
| awards      = Thanthai Periyar Award
}}
}}
'''Nakkheeran Gopal''' (born 10 April 1959<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nakkheeran.in/Users/frmAbout.aspx|title=About Us|author=|date=|work=Nakkheeran.in|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>) is a veteran journalist from [[Tamil Nadu]], India. He is the editor and publisher of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] political investigative journal ''[[Nakkheeran (magazine)|Nakkheeran]]''. He shot to national fame in the 1990s when he took interviews with Veerappan, who was surviving in the forests committing crimes on the Tamil Nadu – Karnataka border, hoodwinking the police of the two states.
'''Nakkheeran Gopal''' (born 10 April 1959<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nakkheeran.in/Users/frmAbout.aspx|title=About Us|author=|date=|work=Nakkheeran.in|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>) is a journalist and editor from [[Tamil Nadu]], India. He is the editor and publisher of the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] political investigative journal ''[[Nakkheeran (magazine)|Nakkheeran]]''. He came to national fame in the 1990s when he interviewed sandalwood and ivory smuggler Veerappan, who was surviving in the forests and committing crimes on the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border, eluding the police of the two states. Footage from his encounters with [[Veerappan]] have been used to create [[Koose Munisamy Veerappan (TV series)]].<ref>{{Citation | title=ZEE5 announces Tamil docu-series Koose Munisamy Veerappan
|url= https://www.cinemaexpress.com/ott/news/2023/nov/24/zee5-announces-tamil-docu-series-koose-munisamy-veerappan-49847.html
|access-date=5 December 2023 | website= cinemaexpress|language=en}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
He completed his school education at Municipal School of [[Aruppukkottai]] and SBK Higher Secondary School. After clearing pre-university course at [[Devanga Arts College]], he graduated as Bachelor of Commerce from [[Saiva Bhanu Kshatriya College]] in 1977. Apart from academics, he was part of his college hockey team and also involved in art works that could be considered as one of the early signs of a contemporary layout artist and editor.
He completed his schooling at the Municipal School of [[Aruppukkottai]] and SBK Higher Secondary School. After completing a pre-university course at [[Devanga Arts College]], he graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree from [[Saiva Bhanu Kshatriya College]] in 1977. Apart from his academics, he was part of his college hockey team and was involved in creating artworks that could be considered as one of the early signs of a contemporary layout artist and editor.


Post-degree, Rajagopal's father wanted him to be employed in a bank. Rather being idle waiting for a bank profession, Gopal worked in a provisional store much to his father’s displeasure. In 1978, his relative promised him of a job in then Madras however that could not be fulfilled later but eyeing, which Rajagopal had moved into capital city initially.
Nakkheeran Gopal started working at a provisional store. Later in 1983, he and his friend started a rubber firm with a 3000 rupee investment. Things were not proceeding well from the beginning. At times, they might even need to cycle all around the city. Things were not going well; he had turned ill and returned to his native country. Nakkheeran Gopal abstained from work for four months during his recovery but improved his artistic skills in the meantime. His friends and neighbours suggested he seek a relevant job displaying his splendid artwork.


In 1983, Rajagopal and his friend jointly started a rubber firm investing around 3000 rupees. Things were not proceeding well from the beginning. Thought exhausted they could manage with just one meal daily. At times, they might even need to cycle all around the city. He turned ill and had returned to his native. He abstained from work for four months during recovery but improved his artistic skills meantime. His friends and neighbours suggested him to seek a relevant job that would display his splendid artworks.
In 1985, Nakkheeran Gopal was rightly identified by [[Valampuri John]], the editor of ''Thai'' magazine run by the then Chief Minister [[M. G. Ramachandran]]. He received knowledge on layout work and also got exposed to production work during his venture in ''Thiraichuvai''. However, Gopal had learned the success story when he acted as a layout director in ''[[Tharasu]]'' magazine. The readers loved the wrapper layout work that sensibly portrayed the message. He opted to move out of Tharasu at this stage due to various conflicts.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}


In 1985, Rajagopal was rightly identified by [[Valampuri John]], the editor of ''Thai'' magazine run by the then Chief Minister [[M. G. Ramachandran]]. He gained much knowledge on layout work supported by the encouraging editor. He also got exposed to production work during his venture in ''Thiraichuvai''. However, Rajagopal had learnt the success story when he acted as a layout director in ''[[Tharasu]]'' magazine. The readers loved the wrapper layout work that sensibly portrayed the message. At this stage, he opted to move out of Tharasu due to various conflicts.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}
==''Nakkheeran'' magazine==
{{main|Nakkheeran}}


==Founder of ''Nakkheeran'' magazine==
In 1988, he started his political investigative weekly magazine. He loved the title ''Nakkheeran'', but it was possessed by a politician named K. Subbu. When approached, K. Subbu gave away the title, and it was titled ''Nakkheeran'', the weekly Tamil magazine. The office was set up in a small room at Kilpauk, on the banks of the Cooum river. The first issue of ''Nakkheeran'' came out on 20 April 1988.
Rajagopal, with a sum of four thousand rupees, decided to start his own political investigative weekly magazine in 1988. He loved the epic title ''Nakkheeran'' but it was possessed by a politician named K. Subbu. When approached, K. Subbu gave away the title that led to the evolution of ''Nakkheeran'', the weekly Tamil magazine. The material suppliers offered fund for 4–10 weeks positively. The office was set up in a small room at Kilpauk on the banks of river Cooum. The first issue of ''Nakkheeran'' came out on 20 April 1988.


==Achievements==
==Achievements==
The editor of Nakkheeran Rajagopal (widely identified as Nakkheeran Gopal) locked horns with the state government of Tamil Nadu in Supreme Court of India to receive a landmark judgement in favour of press independence on 7 October 1994. This judgement was unanimously appreciated by global media, details below.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/cases/r-rajagopal-v-state-of-t-n/|title=R. Rajagopal v. State of T.N. – Global Freedom of Expression|author=|date=|work=Columbia.edu|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/3292/en/india:-rajagopal-and-another-v.-state-of-tamil-nadu|title=India: Rajagopal and Another v. State of Tamil Nadu · Article 19|author=|date=|work=Article19.org|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>
The editor of Nakkheeran, Nakkheeran Gopal, locked horns with the state government of Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court of India to receive a landmark judgement in favour of press independence on 7 October 1994. This judgement was unanimously appreciated by the global media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/cases/r-rajagopal-v-state-of-t-n/|title=R. Rajagopal v. State of T.N. – Global Freedom of Expression|author=|date=|work=Columbia.edu|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/3292/en/india:-rajagopal-and-another-v.-state-of-tamil-nadu|title=India: Rajagopal and Another v. State of Tamil Nadu · Article 19|author=|date=|work=Article19.org|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>


As an act of bravery, ''Nakkheeran'' is the first ever magazine to interview and expose a portrait of South India’s forest brigand [[Veerappan]]. The editor and his team effectively acted as an emissary between Veerappan and state governments to carry out a successful mission in rescuing thespian Rajkumar that calmed down the insecure atmosphere prevailed between two states since abduction in 2000. Earlier, Gopal had been successful in also rescuing eight forest guards kidnapped by Veerappan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/19gopal.htm|title=When Veerappan captured Dr Rajkumar|author=|date=|work=Rediff.com|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref><ref name=Hindu2>{{cite news|last=Correspondent|first=Legal|title="Nakkheeran" Gopal moves SC to squash summons|url=http://hindu.com/2002/06/06/stories/2002060603481300.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125113529/http://hindu.com/2002/06/06/stories/2002060603481300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|access-date=27 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 June 2002}}</ref>
As an act of bravery, ''Nakkheeran'' is the first magazine to interview and expose a portrait of South India’s forest brigand [[Veerappan]]. The editor and his team effectively acted as an emissary between Veerappan and state governments to carry out a successful mission in rescuing legendary Kannada thespian [[Dr. Rajkumar]], which calmed down the insecure atmosphere that had prevailed between two states since Rajkumar's abduction in 2000. Earlier, Gopal had successfully rescued eight forest guards kidnapped by Veerappan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/19gopal.htm|title=When Veerappan captured Dr Rajkumar|author=|date=|work=Rediff.com|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref><ref name=Hindu2>{{cite news|last=Correspondent|first=Legal|title="Nakkheeran" Gopal moves SC to squash summons|url=http://hindu.com/2002/06/06/stories/2002060603481300.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125113529/http://hindu.com/2002/06/06/stories/2002060603481300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|access-date=27 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 June 2002}}</ref>


==POTA==
==POTA==
In 2003, he was arrested on charges of possession of an unlicensed revolver with ammunition.
In 2003, he was arrested on charges of possessing an unlicensed revolver with ammunition.


After eight months of imprisonment, Gopal was ordered to be set free on bail by a division bench of the Madras High Court while allowing a habeas corpus petition filed by his brother. Emerging out of the prison, Gopal said his obtaining the bail was the 'first blow' to the "autocratic rule" of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa" This victory is Nakeeran's first step. Let the government file any number of false cases, we will emerge victorious," he said in brief remarks as he was given a rousing reception by magazine staff and others in front of the prison complex. The high court had faulted the police for not providing any reasons for his arrest under IPC and Pota. Gopal was first arrested in April 2003 in connection with the murder of a police informant, allegedly by forest brigand Veerappan, and was subsequently charged under Pota for alleged possession of arms.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20011218211926/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1718/17181300.htm A tough bargain]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/static/html/fl1719/17190220.htm | title=A mission on hold | date=16-29 September 2000 | work=Frontline | first=T. S. | last=Subramanian | volume=17 | issue=19 | accessdate=24 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/static/html/fl1723/17230040.htm | title=One hundred days of torment | work=Frontline | date=11-24 November 2000 | volume=17 | issue=23 | first1=T. S. | last1=Subramanian |  first2=Praveen | last2=Swami | accessdate=24 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102007931200.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125042343/http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102007931200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Veerappan as `Robin Hood'|first=Suresh|last=Nambath|date=19 October 2004|pages=12|access-date=8 March 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]|via=The Hindu (old)}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=2098414 Nakkheeran Gopal coming out of the Central jail in Chennai on 20 December 2003]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092108070400.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904081624/http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092108070400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2012|title=Charge sheet submitted in Nakkeeran Gopal case|first=Special|last=Correspondent|date=20 September 2005|pages=04|access-date=8 March 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]|via=The Hindu (old)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/gopal-released-from-prison_137662.html|title=Gopal released from prison|author=|date=20 December 2003|work=India.com|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>
After eight months of imprisonment, Gopal was ordered to be set free on bail by a division bench of the Madras High Court while allowing a habeas corpus petition filed by his brother. Emerging out of the prison, Gopal said obtaining bail was the 'first blow' to the "autocratic rule" of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. "This victory is Nakeeran's first step. Let the government file any number of false cases, we will emerge victorious," he said in brief remarks as he was given a rousing reception by magazine staff and others in front of the prison complex. The high court had faulted the police for not providing any reasons for his arrest under the IPC and Pota. Gopal was first arrested in April 2003 in connection with the murder of a police informant, allegedly by forest brigand Veerappan, and was subsequently charged under Pota for alleged possession of arms.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20011218211926/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1718/17181300.htm A tough bargain]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/static/html/fl1719/17190220.htm | title=A mission on hold | date=16-29 September 2000 | work=Frontline | first=T. S. | last=Subramanian | volume=17 | issue=19 | accessdate=24 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/static/html/fl1723/17230040.htm | title=One hundred days of torment | work=Frontline | date=11-24 November 2000 | volume=17 | issue=23 | first1=T. S. | last1=Subramanian |  first2=Praveen | last2=Swami | accessdate=24 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102007931200.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125042343/http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/20/stories/2004102007931200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Veerappan as `Robin Hood'|first=Suresh|last=Nambath|date=19 October 2004|pages=12|access-date=8 March 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]|via=The Hindu (old)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=2098414 |title=Nakkheeran Gopal coming out of the Central jail in Chennai on 20 December 2003 |access-date=25 January 2010 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929071627/http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=2098414 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092108070400.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904081624/http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092108070400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2012|title=Charge sheet submitted in Nakkeeran Gopal case|date=20 September 2005|pages=04|access-date=8 March 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]|via=The Hindu (old)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/gopal-released-from-prison_137662.html|title=Gopal released from prison|author=|date=20 December 2003|work=India.com|access-date=8 March 2017}}</ref>


==Author==
==Author==
Nakkeeran Gopal penned a series called "Challenge" (late 1990s) and Yutham (late 2000s) in his own ''Nakkheeran'' magazine. Later, the consolidations were released as a book. "Challenge" describes the agony put forth by Jayalalithaa between 1991 and 1996 whereas his Yutham (elaborated in four parts) briefs how his team tackled the distress caused by 2001–06 TN Govt.{{Citation needed|reason=No reference to the works can be seen|date=October 2018}}
Nakkeeran Gopal penned a series called "Challenge" (late 1990s) and Yutham (late 2000s) in his own ''Nakkheeran'' magazine. Later, the consolidations were released as a book. "Challenge" describes the agony put forth by Jayalalithaa between 1991 and 1996, whereas his Yutham (elaborated in four parts) briefs how his team tackled the distress caused by the 2001–06 TN Govt.{{Citation needed|reason=No reference to the works can be seen|date=October 2018}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 01:21, 10 November 2025


Nakkheeran Gopal
Nakkheeran Gopal, 2006
Born
Rajagopal

(1959-04-10) 10 April 1959 (age 67)
Aruppukottai, Tamil Nadu, India
CitizenshipIndia
OccupationPolitician
Years active1988 – present
AwardsThanthai Periyar Award
Websitehttps://www.nakkheeran.in

Nakkheeran Gopal (born 10 April 1959[1]) is a journalist and editor from Tamil Nadu, India. He is the editor and publisher of the Tamil political investigative journal Nakkheeran. He came to national fame in the 1990s when he interviewed sandalwood and ivory smuggler Veerappan, who was surviving in the forests and committing crimes on the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border, eluding the police of the two states. Footage from his encounters with Veerappan have been used to create Koose Munisamy Veerappan (TV series).[2]

Early life[edit | edit source]

He completed his schooling at the Municipal School of Aruppukkottai and SBK Higher Secondary School. After completing a pre-university course at Devanga Arts College, he graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree from Saiva Bhanu Kshatriya College in 1977. Apart from his academics, he was part of his college hockey team and was involved in creating artworks that could be considered as one of the early signs of a contemporary layout artist and editor.

Nakkheeran Gopal started working at a provisional store. Later in 1983, he and his friend started a rubber firm with a 3000 rupee investment. Things were not proceeding well from the beginning. At times, they might even need to cycle all around the city. Things were not going well; he had turned ill and returned to his native country. Nakkheeran Gopal abstained from work for four months during his recovery but improved his artistic skills in the meantime. His friends and neighbours suggested he seek a relevant job displaying his splendid artwork.

In 1985, Nakkheeran Gopal was rightly identified by Valampuri John, the editor of Thai magazine run by the then Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran. He received knowledge on layout work and also got exposed to production work during his venture in Thiraichuvai. However, Gopal had learned the success story when he acted as a layout director in Tharasu magazine. The readers loved the wrapper layout work that sensibly portrayed the message. He opted to move out of Tharasu at this stage due to various conflicts.[citation needed]

Nakkheeran magazine[edit | edit source]

In 1988, he started his political investigative weekly magazine. He loved the title Nakkheeran, but it was possessed by a politician named K. Subbu. When approached, K. Subbu gave away the title, and it was titled Nakkheeran, the weekly Tamil magazine. The office was set up in a small room at Kilpauk, on the banks of the Cooum river. The first issue of Nakkheeran came out on 20 April 1988.

Achievements[edit | edit source]

The editor of Nakkheeran, Nakkheeran Gopal, locked horns with the state government of Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court of India to receive a landmark judgement in favour of press independence on 7 October 1994. This judgement was unanimously appreciated by the global media.[3][4]

As an act of bravery, Nakkheeran is the first magazine to interview and expose a portrait of South India’s forest brigand Veerappan. The editor and his team effectively acted as an emissary between Veerappan and state governments to carry out a successful mission in rescuing legendary Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar, which calmed down the insecure atmosphere that had prevailed between two states since Rajkumar's abduction in 2000. Earlier, Gopal had successfully rescued eight forest guards kidnapped by Veerappan.[5][6]

POTA[edit | edit source]

In 2003, he was arrested on charges of possessing an unlicensed revolver with ammunition.

After eight months of imprisonment, Gopal was ordered to be set free on bail by a division bench of the Madras High Court while allowing a habeas corpus petition filed by his brother. Emerging out of the prison, Gopal said obtaining bail was the 'first blow' to the "autocratic rule" of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. "This victory is Nakeeran's first step. Let the government file any number of false cases, we will emerge victorious," he said in brief remarks as he was given a rousing reception by magazine staff and others in front of the prison complex. The high court had faulted the police for not providing any reasons for his arrest under the IPC and Pota. Gopal was first arrested in April 2003 in connection with the murder of a police informant, allegedly by forest brigand Veerappan, and was subsequently charged under Pota for alleged possession of arms.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

Author[edit | edit source]

Nakkeeran Gopal penned a series called "Challenge" (late 1990s) and Yutham (late 2000s) in his own Nakkheeran magazine. Later, the consolidations were released as a book. "Challenge" describes the agony put forth by Jayalalithaa between 1991 and 1996, whereas his Yutham (elaborated in four parts) briefs how his team tackled the distress caused by the 2001–06 TN Govt.[citation needed]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "About Us". Nakkheeran.in. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  2. "ZEE5 announces Tamil docu-series Koose Munisamy Veerappan", cinemaexpress, retrieved 5 December 2023
  3. "R. Rajagopal v. State of T.N. – Global Freedom of Expression". Columbia.edu. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  4. "India: Rajagopal and Another v. State of Tamil Nadu · Article 19". Article19.org. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  5. "When Veerappan captured Dr Rajkumar". Rediff.com. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  6. Correspondent, Legal (6 June 2002). ""Nakkheeran" Gopal moves SC to squash summons". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 August 2012. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. A tough bargain[usurped]
  8. Subramanian, T. S. (16–29 September 2000). "A mission on hold". Frontline. Vol. 17, no. 19. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  9. Subramanian, T. S.; Swami, Praveen (11–24 November 2000). "One hundred days of torment". Frontline. Vol. 17, no. 23. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  10. Nambath, Suresh (19 October 2004). "Veerappan as `Robin Hood'". The Hindu. p. 12. Retrieved 8 March 2017 – via The Hindu (old).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. "Nakkheeran Gopal coming out of the Central jail in Chennai on 20 December 2003". Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
  12. "Charge sheet submitted in Nakkeeran Gopal case". The Hindu. 20 September 2005. p. 04. Retrieved 8 March 2017 – via The Hindu (old).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. "Gopal released from prison". India.com. 20 December 2003. Retrieved 8 March 2017.

Interviews[edit | edit source]