26/11 Mumbai carnage accused Ajmal Kasab got the verdict

Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving Pakistani gunman in the Mumbai carnage was held guilty after seventeen months of probes, confessions and denials. The 22 year terrorist has been charged with killing a total of 166 people, including 25 foreigners, and injuring 304 others on November 26th, 2008.

On 26^th November, 2008 he along with other nine slain terrorists unleashed death and destruction at iconic Taj and Trident-Oberoi luxury hotels, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST) and the Jewish Centre at Nariman house. Their targets included Cama Hospital and Metro Cinema Junction also. They planted bombs in two taxis which exploded killing many people.

Based on the information, evidence and 658 Special Judge R H Tahliyani delivered a 1,522-page verdict, where 86 charges had been framed against him. The Judge awarded him death punishment as he was deserved this capital punishment.

The evidence also established that absconding accused, including Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba(LeT) commanders Hafeez Sayeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, were involved in the terror attacks.

Kasab was brought in front of Judges. He appeared in a white kurta and was unshaved. The Special Judge read out the verdict prepared against him. He showed no emotions and sat impassively with his head bowed down as the verdict was pronounced in the high-security Arthur Road jail.

The other two accused Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed were acquitted by the Court though they were accused of helping LeT in plotting the terror attack. They were acquitted on the ground of benefit of doubt.

The evidences against Kasab were so strong that none could help him out of this verdict explained Special Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam. He said that he was happy that Kasab was convicted and unhappy that Ansari and Ahmed were set free. "We would appeal against the acquittal," he said.

He was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code where his prime crime has been counted waging war against country. Besides carrying and using explosives was also considered as serious crime. Kasab was also charged under the Explosives Act and the Arms Act, Foreigners Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Passport Act.