Mumbai: Noted Gandhian Anna Hazare, whose fast-unto-death entered the fourth day on August 12, softened his demand of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged corruption by four DF ministers, saying he was ready for a judicial probe if the concerned ministers are removed from the government.

"I will not insist for a CBI probe, if a judicial probe is ordered into the corruption by four ministers after their resignations from the government," a pale-looking Hazare told reporters at his make-shift pandal at Azad Maidan.

Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Suresh Jain, who has also undertaken a fast-unto-death demanding probe into alleged corruption by trusts run by Hazare, advised the social worker to take 'sanyas'.

"As Hazare has failed to substantiate charges levelled against me, he may now level allegations against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar and the Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to divert the attention of the public," Jain claimed.

Meanwhile, to resolve the issue, Shinde had convened a meeting of representatives of Hazare's "Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan" at Mantralaya on August 12 evening.

Earlier in the day, the anti-corruption crusader made a brief appearance in a city court in response to the summons issued against him in a defamation case filed by Maharashtra Minister Padamsinh Patil. Hazare sought permanent exemption and court had sought reply from Patil's counsel. The matter was adjourned to October 7.

Jain, meanwhile, produced a woman, Hira Palande, a former activist in the Hazare's agitation, who levelled some charges against the social worker.

PTI