US Ambassador meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Update- US Ambassador)

New Delhi, Sept 18 (ANI): The United States Ambassador to India, Timothy J Roemer, today met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at his residence.

The meeting took place after Roemer met Union Home Minister P. hidambaram.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Chidambaram, Roemer said bringing the culprits to justice and going after Saeed were important to both India and the United States.

“Swift and mighty punishment for the six Mumbai suspects in Islamabad, is important for United States and is important for India. And going after Saeed is very important and dismantling the infrastructure of LeT in that region is extremely important to the United States and to India,” said Roemer.

The meeting took after reports of two FIR’s against Saeed came late last night.

He has been charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act for making anti-state speeches where he urged activists of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the frontline organisation for LeT that he heads, to wage a ‘jehad’.

Saeed has also been charged for heading a charity collection drive during the Ramazan month according to the police.

Earlier, Roemer had called on Pakistan to take action against Saeed.

“There are five, probably six, suspects currently being held in Islamabad in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is extremely important that these six people be brought to justice and put behind bars and receive sentences commensurate with their crimes against India, US and the world,” a news channel quoted Roemer, as saying

“I hope that in future the action on 26/11 includes people like Hafiz Saeed. Recently he was put into an Interpol red flag list,” he added.

The remarks follows Chidambaram’s visit to US, where he had briefed several ministers under the Barack Obama administration about Islamabad’s inaction against perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

The attacks, which drew widespread condemnation across the world, began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. Among the dead were 28 foreign nationals from 10 countries.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, has disclosed that the attackers were members of LeT, which is considered a terrorist organization by the Government of India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against Saeed, and Zaki -ur- Rehman Lakhvi (another mastermind of the 26/11 attacks). The notice was issued after a Mumbai court issued non-bailable warrants against both terrorists. (ANI)

US Ambassador Roemer calls for action against Hafiz Saeed

New Delhi, Sept 18 (ANI): Pressurising Pakistan, the United States said it wanted swift and mighty punishment against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, the United States Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer said, bringing the culprits to justice and going after Saeed were important to both India and the United States.

“Swift and mighty punishment for the six Mumbai suspects in Islamabad, is important for United States and is important for India. And going after Saeed is very important and dismantling the infrastructure of LeT in that region is extremely important to the United States and to India,” said Roemer.

The meeting took after reports of two FIR’s against Saeed came late last night.

He has been charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act for making anti-state speeches where he urged activists of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the frontline organisation for LeT that he heads, to wage a ‘jehad’.

Saeed has also been charged for heading a charity collection drive during the Ramazan month according to the police.

Earlier, Roemer had called on Pakistan to take action against Saeed.

“There are five, probably six, suspects currently being held in Islamabad in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is extremely important that these six people be brought to justice and put behind bars and receive sentences commensurate with their crimes against India, US and the world,” a news channel quoted Roemer, as saying

“I hope that in future the action on 26/11 includes people like Hafiz Saeed. Recently he was put into an Interpol red flag list,” he added.

The remarks follows Chidambaram’s visit to US, where he had briefed several ministers under the Barack Obama administration about Islamabad’s inaction against perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

The attacks, which drew widespread condemnation across the world, began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. Among the dead were 28 foreign nationals from 10 countries.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only attacker who was captured alive, has disclosed that the attackers were members of LeT, which is considered a terrorist organization by the Government of India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against Saeed, and Zaki -ur- Rehman Lakhvi (another mastermind of the 26/11 attacks). The notice was issued after a Mumbai court issued non-bailable warrants against both terrorists. (ANI)

Another CCTV footage of Kasab to be played in court today

Mumbai, July 16 (ANI): Another CCTV footage of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist involved the terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, will be played in court today.

Special prosecutor Ujjawal Nikam said the video of Kasab was retrieved from the Times of India building, facing Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway terminus (CST) railway station.

“Before attacking Cama Hospital, the moments and acts of Kasab and his associate Abu Ismael at CST were recorded in the CCTV cameras installed at the TOI building,” he said on Wednesday.

CCTV cameras installed at the TOI building had captured the moments of Kasab and his associate firing and lobbing hand grenades while heading towards the Cama Hospital.

Earlier this month, a press photographer who clicked the picture of Kasab as he stepped out of CST station, had identified him in court. (ANI)

Callous Kasab asked to stop laughing or face Dara Singh

Mumbai, June 22 (ANI): The lone surviving gunman behind the Mumbai terror attacks, Ajmal Amir Kasab, has been reprimanded by lawyers for laughing during the court proceedings, and recently a lawyer asked him to be serious or else he would call Dara Singh.

Kasab is the gunman captured alive during the terrifying three days beginning November 26, 2008, when 10 men arrived in Mumbai by boat and attacked 10 sites, killing more than 170 people. His trial, on charges of terrorism, criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state, began two months ago.

He has drawn reprimands from the lawyers for laughing, although they have also nicknamed him “the short one” and occasionally joke with him.

On Thursday, when he was laughing at their banter, prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam turned to him and said: “Don’t laugh. Be serious. Otherwise I will call Dara Singh,” a reference to the legendary Indian wrestler often invoked by parents to keep their children quiet. Kasab laughed even more.

Last Monday, 27 photographs taken at the station on 26/11 were shown to the court, including a widely published image of a man identified as Kasab in cargo pants and a black T-shirt, toting a blue backpack and holding an AK-47, The Washington Post reported.

A police official said that Kasab hung his head low in court and that tears welled over. The judge asked him whether he was crying, but Kasab did not respond, just wiped his face. Nikam dismissed the reaction as “crocodile tears.”

“Kasab is a trained commando. No question of remorse. He plays the psychological game. He smiles, looks innocent or pretends to shed tears. These are tricks to get media sympathy,” he said.

Abbas Kazmi, Kasab’s attorney, said his client is becoming “increasingly gloomy” and has “a sense of hopelessness written all over his face.”

When the trial began in April, Kasab, speaking through his attorney, pleaded not guilty and sought to retract his confession, saying it was made under duress, the paper said.

The trial is conducted mostly in English and Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra state, neither of which Kasab knows well. He often looks bored or bewildered, but when witnesses recount the horrors of that November night, he appears to try hard to follow. (ANI)

Addresses of absconding 26/11 accused pave way for issue of NBWs

Mumbai, June 21(ANI): As the addresses of the 35 absconding accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case has been obtained from the Centre, the prosecution is now all set to move to a special court for issue of non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against all the accused.

“The addresses of absconding accused have been provided to the investigating agency by the Government of India. They are expected to be filed in the court tomorrow, paving the way for issue of non-bailable warrants,” an official said.

Hafeez Muhammed Saeed, chief of Jama’at-ud-Da’wah, is one of the 35 absconders, who was recently discharged on technical grounds by a Pakistan court in connection with the Mumbai terror attacks case.

Saeed is wanted in India, as the arrested terrorist of the 26/11, Ajmal Amir Kasab, has implicated him in his confession that Saeed was an alleged mastermind.

Earlier, the court had refused to issue warrants because of incomplete names and addresses of the accused. It had asked the prosecution to provide complete addresses.

“We have complete addresses of prime absconding accused and shall provide them to the court for issue of NBWs,” said special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. (ANI)

Kasab’s lawyer to challenge removal from Islamic Gymkhana

Mumbai, May 17 (ANI): Advocate Abbas Kazmi, who represent Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of Mumbai terror attacks, today said that he would move to court to challenge the controversial decision of Islamic Gymkhana of removing him as its Trustee, saying that defending a criminal is against the teachings of Islam.

Kazmi said the decision is totally illegal.

Kazmi’s appointment as a trustee of the Islamic Gymkhana was terminated in April on the ground of defending terrorist.

Gymkhana had sent Kazmi a letter saying, “You have agreed to defend the most dreaded terrorist Kasab. This is against the essence of Islam and there is no place for terrorism in Islam. To maintain Gymkhana’s integrity, your trusteeship is being terminated.”

However Kazmi said the Gymkhana is not a Muslim body but an association of persons.

“I am performing my professional duty. The court has appointed me to take up Kasab’s case and I have followed the directive,” he added.

Kazmi, a private lawyer has been appointed to defend Kasab as per Indian law on April 16.

He is well-known name in the legal circle and is a member of the Sessions Bar Council. (ANI)

Doctors identify Kasab in court

Mumbai, May 15 (ANI): Two doctors, who treated Mumbai terror attack accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab for injuries, identified him in the trial court on Friday.

“He is the one who was brought to trauma ward of Nair Hospital when I was on duty in early hours on November 27,” Dr. Yogita Delkar, Chief Medical Officer, pointing at Kasab.

Dr. Delkar told Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam that she had prepared Out Patient Department (OPD) papers of Kasab and wrote his age as 25 years.

Later, during a cross examination, she told defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi that she wrote Kasab’s age as 25 years based on his physical appearance.

To a question by Nikam, she said that hospital staffer Kedar Joshi prepared the indoor case papers of Kasab.

This question was asked because there is overwriting of Kasab’s age in indoor case papers….25 years has been struck off and instead 21 years has been written. Earlier, witnesses have told the court that Kasab has given his age as 21 years to police in the hospital.

“This explains why overwriting in Kasab’s case was done,” Nikam added.

Dr. Venkat Ramamurthy said he had treated Kasab in the trauma ward on that day. Kasab had sustained injuries in his left arm near elbow.

In such a condition, a person can handle AK-47 rifle, he told Nikam. (ANI)

Two more eyewitnesses to be examined in Kasab case today

Mumbai, May 12 (ANI): Two eyewitnesses will be examined in connection with the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks today.

The prosecution will examine Hemant Boudhankar and Sanjay Govilkar, both assistant police inspectors.

The examination of the first witness, Bhaskar Kadam, concluded on Monday.

Police Sub-Inspector Bhaskar Kadam identified the AK-47 rifle that was used by Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, on November 26, 2008.

Kadam had seen Kasab firing from a AK-47 rifle at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who fell to the bullets. He also identified two pistols, made from a company named Nedi Frontier Arms based in Pakistan.

Besides, Kadam also identified Abu Ismail”s clothes. Ismail was with Kasab on the day of the terror attack.

Earlier, the court had charged Kasab with waging war against India.

Eighty-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury. (ANI)

Witness identifies AK-47 rifle used by Kasab

Mumbai, May 11 (ANI): The first witness in the Mumbai terror attack case on Monday identified the AK-47 rifle that was used by Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, on November 26, 2008.

Police Sub-Inspector Bhaskar Kadam had seen Kasab firing from a AK-47 rifle at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who fell to the bullets.

Kadam also identified two pistols, made from a company named Nedi Frontier Arms based in Pakistan.

Besides, Kadam also identified Abu Ismail’s clothes. Ismail was with Kasab on the day of the terror attack.

All these evidences were produced in the special court here today.

Earlier, the court had charged Kasab with waging war against India.

Eight-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury. (ANI)

First witness to Mumbai attacks identifies Kasab

Mumbai, May 8 (ANI): The first witness in the Mumbai terror attack case on Friday said he saw Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, fire at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble.

‘I saw Kasab firing from a AK-47 rifle at Omble, who fell to the bullets,” said Police Sub-Inspector Bhaskar Kadam.

Kadam also said he fired at Abu Ismail who was with Kasab on the day of the terror attack. While Kasab pretended to fall down from car, Ismail was seriously injured.

On Thursday, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said the prosecution would now begin to present its witnesses in each of the cases against the accused.

The prosecution said it has over 1,800 witnesses and more than 750 pieces of evidence to present to the court.

On Wednesday, court charged Kasab with waging war against India.

Eight-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury. (ANI)

Kasab charged with waging war against India

Mumbai, May 6 (ANI): A special court on Wednesday charged Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivor of the Mumbai terror attacks, with waging war against India.

Eight-six charges, including common and individual were framed against Kasab by the special court. He was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act.

Charges were also framed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Custom Act, the Foreigners Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Properties Act, conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury.

Kasab pleaded not guilty to the charges framed against him by the special court.

“I do not accept the charges,” he said.

A trial court on Tuesday obtained sanctions from the Centre and the Maharashtra Government to prosecute Kasab and two others.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam filed “sanctions” that pertain to offences such as waging war against the nation, violation of Customs Act (by illegally bringing firearms to India), infringement of Explosives Act and Explosives Substances Act (using explosives) and Arms Act (opening fire with sophisticated weapons.

The Judge M L Tahaliyani accepted the “sanctions” and said the court would frame charges against the trio after considering the material against them.

Nikam informed the court that the prosecution had obtained sanction from the Customs Department to prosecute Kasab under Customs Act.

Kasab and his Pakistani associates had brought arms illegally to India to strike terror in Mumbai, the prosecutor said.

The Union Government has also given sanction to prosecute Kasab and others under IPC for “waging war against the nation”. (ANI)

Mumbai court to frame charges against Kasab today

Mumbai, May 6 (ANI): A special court on Wednesday will frame charges against Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivor of Mumbai terror attacks.

A trial court on Tuesday obtained sanctions from the Centre and the Maharashtra Government to prosecute Kasab and two others.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam filed “sanctions” that pertain to offences such as waging war against the nation, violation of Customs Act (by illegally bringing firearms to India), infringement of Explosives Act and Explosives Substances Act (using explosives) and Arms Act (opening fire with sophisticated weapons.

The Judge M L Tahaliyani accepted the “sanctions” and said the court would frame charges against the trio after considering the material against them.

Nikam informed the court that the prosecution had obtained sanction from the Customs Department to prosecute Kasab under Customs Act.

Kasab and his Pakistani associates had brought arms illegally to India to strike terror in Mumbai, the prosecutor said.

Union Government has also given sanction to prosecute Kasab and others under IPC for “waging war against the nation”.

If found guilty, the accused may face punishment ranging from death sentence to life imprisonment and fine. (ANI)

Court to frame charges against Kasab on Wednesday

Mumbai, May 5 (ANI): A trial court on Tuesday obtained sanctions from the Centre and the Maharashtra Government to prosecute prime accused in Mumbai terror attack case Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab and two others.

The court on Wednesday will frame charges against Kasab, Faheem Ansari, Sabauddin Ahmed, and 35 others accused believed to be in Pakistan.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam on Tuesday filed “sanctions” that pertain to offences such as waging war against the nation, violation of Customs Act (by illegally bringing firearms to India), infringement of Explosives Act and Explosives Substances Act (using explosives) and Arms Act (opening fire with sophisticated weapons.

The Judge M L Tahaliyani accepted the “sanctions” and said the court would frame charges against the trio after considering the material against them.

Nikam informed the court that the prosecution had obtained sanction from the Customs Department to prosecute Kasab under Customs Act.

Kasab and his Pakistani associates had brought arms illegally to India to strike terror in Mumbai, the prosecutor said.

Union Government has also given sanction to prosecute Kasab and others under IPC for “waging war against the nation”.

If found guilty, the accused may face punishment ranging from death sentence to life imprisonment and fine. (ANI)

Mumbai court rules that Kasab is not a minor as per medical reports

Mumbai, Apr 28 (ANI): A special court here today ruled that Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivor of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is not a minor.

The court ruling was based on ossification and blood tests submitted to it. The reports claim that Kasab is aged above 20 years.

The medical reports have been handed over to Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam, who continues to demand that he would like to examine two witnesses.

On April 24, a court had ordered an inquiry to determine the age of Kasab. The court’s order came after Kasab claimed to have been a minor at the time of Mumbai carnage.

Special Court Judge M. L. Tahiliyani said then that a radiologist and a forensic dentist would examine Kasab. Tahiliyani also allowed special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to examine witnesses comprising doctors and jailor.

The trial is to resume on May 2. (ANI)

Court to decide whether Kasab is a juvenile or not

Mumbai, Apr 28 (ANI): A special court here today will decide the juvenility of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivour of Mumbai terror attacks.

On April 24, a court had ordered an inquiry to determine the age of Kasab.

The court’s order came after Kasab claimed to have been a minor at the time of Mumbai carnage.

Judge M. L. Tahiliyani said a radiologist and a forensic dentist would examine Kasab. Tahiliyani also allowed special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to examine witnesses comprising doctors and jailor.

If the inquiry establishes that Kasab is juvenile, then the case will be transferred to the juvenile court. The maximum punishment prescribed under Juvenile Justice Act is maximum three years.

The trial is to resume on May 2. (ANI)

Shooting of ‘Total Ten’, film on Mumbai terror attacks underway

Mumbai, Apr 23 (ANI): On location shooting of forthcoming Bollywood film ‘Total Ten’ is underway in Mumbai.

The film would star Rajan Verma, who essays the role of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008.

Produced by Hari Om Sharam, Anand Pandrey and Kumar, Total Ten is budgeted at a meagre Rs. 3 crore and shows the journey of Kasab from Pakistan to the trial court in Mumbai.

The other actors performing the movie are Sudesh Berry, who plays Vijay Salaskar (former Senior Police officer and encounter specialist), Homi Wadia, who plays Hemant Karkare (former Chief of Mumbai anti-terrorist squad), Ashok Kulkarni, who plays Ashok Kamte (former Additional Commissioner of Mumbai police) and Ashish Vidyarthi, who plays Tukaram Ombale (former assistant sub-inspector of Mumbai Police).

All these brave men were killed while fighting the terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Describing the theme of his movie, Surendar Suri said that Total Ten was a tribute to these Mumbai police officers who paid the ultimate price while fighting for their countrymen.

“The title of the film ‘Total Ten’ if you read then you will come to know that there were only ten Mumbai police officers who got Ashok Chakra (bravery awards) and only those people get Ashok Chakra who have performed some heroic deeds. So this film is my tribute to their bravery,” said Suri.

Rajan Verma said he believes that the movie will give a message to those youngsters who have gone off track but not to trod the path of terrorism.

“This is not a mere film but it’s a message from those terrorists who are churned out of so called terror factories. We don’t have to finish one terrorist but we have to close those terror factories. And these terror factories will stop when the raw material (the youngsters) supplied to them is stopped. Through this film I have to give a message to those youngsters who have gone astray not to become terrorists,” said Verma.

Kasab was one of 10 gunmen who arrived in Mumbai last November via sea route from Pakistan to terrorise the city, killing 166 people. By Shaikh Sharik (ANI)

Kasab’s lawyer seeks time as Kasab demands chargesheet in Urdu

Mumbai, Apr. 21 (ANI): Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman arrested in the Mumbai terror attacks, through his advocate has demanded an Urdu copy of the chargesheet filed against him.

His advocate Abbas Kazmi, who was appointed by the court last week, sought four weeks’ time to study the case and reply to the draft charges proposed by the prosecution.

Even earlier, Pakistan-origin Kasab had made a similar demand from the prosecution, citing lack of ability to decipher Marathi or English languages.

On Monday, the prosecution had proposed 312 charges against Kasab and two others for their alleged role in the Mumbai terror strikes.

Special public prosecutor Ujwal Nikam requested the court to order a probe to find out the actual age of Kasab, who claims to be a juvenile.

Kasab’s lawyer didn’t have any objection for the same.

So far, Kasab’s age claims have been rejected by special judge M L Tahilyani.

Next hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday.

Also on Tuesday, another accused, Sabauddin Ahmed claimed that he had been subjected to third degree torture methods by some police officers, who he urged should be dismissal of the concerned police officials.

He also demanded that two FBI officials, who had allegedly interrogated him, should be arrested.

Special judge Tahilyani has asked the police to file its reply to Sabauddin’s application. (ANI)

Kasab planned to target Malabar Hills too during the Mumbai attacks

Mumbai, Apr 19 (ANI): Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivour of Mumbai terror attacks, has confessed that he and his associate were also planning to attack the posh Malabar Hills area of the city.

Located in south Mumbai, Malabar Hills is home to Maharashtra’s top officials and businessmen.

Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said that Kasab’s retraction from his earlier confessional statement, saying it was made under duress, would have no effect on the trial.

“The confessional statement from which Kasab has retracted will have no effect on the case. Although this has been proved that Kasab and his associates had pre-planned the attack on Mumbai and had their training in Pakistan. And after coming to India, he retracted from his confessional statement and thereafter his saying that he was juvenile, was all a part of this planning,” said Nikam.

Kasab could face the gallows if found guilty.

“Nikam told the court on which evidence he is going to reply and what all material his prosecution team had collected,” said Abbas Kazmi, defence attorney.

Kasab has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against nation, committing robbery and has also been under various other Indian Penal Code sections.

Kasab has also been charged with the murder of Mumbai police officials Hemant Karkare, Tukaram Ombale, Vijay Salaskar, and Ashok Kamte.

Kasab has been booked for direct involvement in seven cases and as a co-conspirator in five cases. He has also been indirectly charged with killing people at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). (ANI)

Kasab retracts confession, says it was made under duress

Mumbai, Apr 17 (ANI): Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone survivour of Mumbai terror attacks, has retracted his confession, saying he was forced to confess under duress.

SG Abbas Kazmi, who was appointed Kasab’s lawyer, had earlier claimed that he was a minor and that the trial should be held in a juvenile court. The court, however, rejected the application moved by Kasab’s lawyer.

Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam objected to this, saying Kasab in his own admission had told the court that he is 22. The defence lawyer could not prove his claim and the court rejected the application.

Kasab has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against nation, committing robbery and has also been under various other Indian Penal Code sections.

Kasab has also been charged with the murder of Mumbai police officials Hemant Karkare, Tukaram Ombale, Vijay Salaskar, and Ashok Kamte.

Kasab has been booked for direct involvement in seven cases and as a co-conspirator in five cases. He has also been indirectly charged with killing people at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).

The trial of Amir Kasab began here on Friday at the special session court inside the heavily-guarded Arthur Road Jail here.

Nikam said that Kasab was an active member of conspiracy that was hatched in Pakistan to commit terror attacks in India.

Kasab also reportedly confessed that he was the best shooter in the team.

“The Pakistani army official was impressed by my firing skills with the Kalashnikov and he also said I was the best shooter in the team. I was the destroyer,” Kasab reportedly confessed.

Kasab also mentioned the involvement of Pakistani officials in the Mumbai attacks. The confession mentioned that a serving member of the Pakistani Army, Colonel Saadat Ullah, has allegedly helped to set up the internet telephony system through which the gunmen received instruction from their Pakistan-based handlers.

He also revealed that he and the other nine terrorists were given training in trekking, warfare in sea, operating Global Positioning System, how to find direction and navigate in unknown and. (ANI)