Jaffer Sharief ends stir over Amanath Bank scam

Former Union minister and senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief on Sunday ended his indefinite hunger strike after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured him that he will take necessary steps to revive the scam-hit Amanath Cooperative Bank. Sharief had undertaken was on strike since past three days demanding the State government among others a CBI probe into the alleged misappropriation of crores of rupees in the bank and, steps to revive the institution. A delegation of Muslim leaders from the Congress led by Sharief had a fortnight ago petitioned to the Chief Minister, seeking a CBI probe. Sharief resorted to strike as the government did not take any action. The strike had evoked good response with many Muslim leaders from the Congress such as R Roshan Baig and C M Ibrahim lending support. Interestingly, many political leaders including Union Minister for Minorities K Rahman Khan are alleged to be involved in the scam. Although Siddaramaiah, who met Sharief, persuaded him to call off the strike, he did not give any assurance on ordering a CBI probe. “I have assured him that steps will be taken to revive the bank and he has called off the strike,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. On the demand for a CBI probe, the Chief Minister said it has not been discussed. Sharief said he will continue to demand for a CBI probe. “The State government has not been able to take action against those involved in the scam. People are suffering. Besides, those responsible for the scam should be punished. So I have advised the Chief Minister to hand over the case to the CBI so that there will be a fair investigation,” he stated. Sharief's close aides said he has ended the strike only for the time being and would resume it after Ramzan, if action is not taken. Source: Deccan Herald