26/11 Trial Opens, Kasab Seeks Lawyer – Admits Pak Origins

The trial of Ajmal Amir Kasab – the lone 26/11 attacker captured alive by Indian security personnel during the macabre terror onslaught on the country’s commercial capital – opened on Monday.

Kasab, according to reports, admitted that he is from Faridkot in Pakistan and has said that he needed a lawyer and was agreeable to a court-appointed government defence lawyer representing him.

Kasab, who appeared before special judge ML Tahiliyani via video conferencing, asked by the court if he wanted a lawyer for the trial, said, “If there will be a trial then I will need a lawyer,” said media reports.

The prosecution has placed in the dock, Kasab and two co-accused for ostensibly the worst-ever terror stab on the country, which left over 180 dead and hundreds others wounded.

Special Judge ML Tahilyani presided over the trial that has elicited considerable interest in the national and international media.

The other two accused in the case are Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Mohammed, suspected Lashkar-e-Tayyeba operatives who are accused of conducting recces and providing logistical support for the gruesome attacks.

The prosecution side is to be led by Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam, Ansari and Mohammed are being represented by noted criminal lawyer Aejaz Naqvi.

Nikam on Sunday had said that though the proceedings on Monday will open the trial, but it would not be the actual date of hearing which is yet to be decided by the court.