Guilty All Along

The accused of Mumbai Massacre Ajmal Kasab was found guilty in all 86 charges. Kasab was the only one caught alive by the security forces on that fateful day. Kasab and his companions entered Mumbai via the sea and went on a rampage. What followed was a three day attack which they initially began by firing indiscriminately on civilians. Ajmal Kasab was a part of a group of ten that after entering the city split up in to different groups to various locations. Their three day assault claimed the lives of 166 innocent citizens. Such a cowardly attack on India’s largest metropolitan city Mumbai left the entire country in a state of shock.

Ajmal Kasab is the only assailant caught alive, rest all were eliminated by the security forces. Kasab’s interrogation revealed his links with Pakistan. Pakistan, as expected did nothing substantial to round up the guilty. There were a couple of intent less eyewash house arrests, but nothing solid despite India repeatedly furnishing evidence. He was also being tried in a special court from the Arthur Road Jail where he was being held captive. The citizens of India had to wait agonizingly long for this trial to end. Recently two Indian Police Services officials were honoured with gallantry awards for their valour that day.  Their families mirrored the mood of the nation by saying that they did not care for awards, they just want to see Kasab hanged. “It is proved beyond reasonable doubt that 26/11 was not just a simple case of killing and murder; it was waging war against India,” said special trial judge M L Tahaliyan. The verdict was read out in Urdu for the terrorist who showed no emotions. Kasab who kept buying himself time by first keeping quiet, then denying the charges. At one point in the trial he pleaded guilty only to deny that later by saying that cops forced him into a confession. Ironically this is India’s fastest terror trial. But it can be protracted further if the defence, Kasab and his lawyer Ujwal Nikkam file for an appeal.

The sentence would be given on Tuesday and there would be no surprise if Kasab is given Death Penalty. Death Penalty is given very rarely in India. Although this is what the terrorist deserves, whether or not he gets it we will soon find out.