HYDERABAD, Dec 27: Fourth additional district and sessions judge Abdul Wahab Abbasi on Tuesday left the charge after he was sent on forced retirement by the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Justice Sabihuddin Ahmad, on charges of corruption and misconduct.

He was performing duties as returning officer of the Qasimabad taluka for election of naib nazim. Fifth additional district and sessions judge Ubaidullah Khan will now look after his court.

Mr Abbasi had been kidnapped in Shikarpur last year along with another additional district and sessions judge. Media reports had suggested that the hostages had been released from captivity after they had paid ransom to bandits.

Forced retirement of other judges was also announced on Monday by the registrar of the SHC, Karachi.