The authorities in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have more than doubled the reward for information leading to the capture of Veerappan, the bandit wanted for a string of murders and kidnappings.

The bounty now stands at the equivalent of about $1m.

The move follows the death earlier this month of a former minister, H Nagappa, who died after being taken hostage by Veerappan.

The bandit blamed the police for his death, saying Mr Nagappa was shot during an encounter with them.

The authorities have set up a judicial enquiry into the killing.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service