Thursday, February 23 2006 13:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hazaribag (Jharkhand): Former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha has been released from judicial custody after Jharkhand Goverment withdrew cases against him, official sources said here.

The decision to withdraw case against Sinha yesterday (Feb 23,2006)night came after BJP President Rajnath Singh met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday in New Delhi and discussed Sihha's 'Save Dignity of Hazaribag' agitation.

"Last night Rajnath Singh conveyed me over phone that the Prime Minister was willing to discuss his demands. Even Finance Miniser P Chidambaram expressed his willingness to discuss his demands over a cup of tea," the senior BJP leader said.

Sinha said he has suspended his agitation launched since February 13 following the talks offer by the UPA Government over the issue of closure of Income Tax Training Institute, Central Excise and Narcotics Academy and tardy pace of railway project.

"But I will continue the agitation if the demands are not met" Sinha, who is planning to visit New Delhi later today, added.

Sinha on February 15 was arrested and was sent to judicial custody along with 67 others. All were released last night after the district administration withdrew cases lodged under violation of 144 CrPC. Sinha did not apply for bail after his arrest on February 15.