Fake stamp paper scam accused call off hunger strike

Pune, May 31 (UNI) Around 55 accused in the multicrore fake stamp paper scam, including prime accused Abdul Karim Telgi, called off their indefinite hunger strike at the Yerawada jail last evening after the Bombay High Court revoked the transfer order of Special MCOCA Judge Chitra Bhedi.

The accused had launched a hunger strike since May 29 to protest the transfer of judge Chitra Bhedi as they wanted a speedy trial of their case.

The transfer order of the judge is cancelled till the charges are framed, High Court Registrar General Rekha Sondur Boldota informed yesterday.

The judge was on the verge of framing charges when the transfer orders came. Around 25 accused have pleaded guilty and had appealed her to decide their fate before she took up her next assignment as judge in Greater Bombay. The judge had turned down their request as she was to relinquish office today. She will now first complete framing charges against the 66 accused before moving on to Mumbai.

UNI