Pakistan witness identifies one accused in Mumbai attacks case

A witness on Saturday identified one of seven Pakistani men charged with involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks as the person who had bought inflatable boats used by the terrorists involved in the assault on India’s financial hub.

Prosecutors said the witness, whom they did not name for security reasons, had identified accused Shahid Jamil Riaz during proceedings conducted behind closed doors at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi by anti-terrorism court Judge Chaudhry Habib-ur-Rehman.

The witness told the judge that Riaz and 10 other people had bought 11 inflatable boats, saying they were to be used for fishing. The witness further told the judge he had never seen these persons returning from sea with any fish.

A total of four private witnesses testified during the hearing.

Another witness told the judge that he had sold the accused a Yamaha boat engine for Rs 1.6 lakh and yet another witness said he had sold the accused six pumps, prosecutors told PTI.

The witnesses also identified 10 men, including Amjad Khan and Atiqur Rehman, who were allegedly involved in planning and executing the Mumbai attacks on November 26, 2008 that left 166 people dead.

These 10 men were earlier declared “proclaimed offenders” or fugitives by the anti-terrorism court.

“The 10 proclaimed offenders were either trainers or facilitators of the accused who launched the attacks in Mumbai,” chief prosecutor Chaudhry Zulifqar Ali told PTI.

One witness told the court that Amjad Khan had obtained from him a “port clearance certificate” for Al-Hussaini, a fishing boat used by the terrorists.

Amjad Khan was also involved in purchasing the inflatable boats, another witness said.

Though Chief prosecutor Ali identified the four private witnesses as Hamza Bin Tariq, Muhammad Ali, Mohammad Saifullah Khan and Umer Draz Khan, he refused to go into details of their individual testimony for security reasons. All the witnesses belong to the port city of Karachi.

Additional Director Altaf Hussain of the Federal Investigation Agency, who played a key role in probing the Mumbai attacks, was present during the hearing but the judge did not allow him to testify as a defence lawyer argued that Hussain should record his statement after the private witnesses.

Prosecutors said the cross—examination of the four private witnesses could not be conducted as the main defence lawyers did not attend the hearing.

In the past too, the defence lawyers have held up proceedings by exploiting legal loopholes and posing hurdles for the proceedings, officials said.

The judge adjourned the case till April 27, when the four witnesses are expected to be cross—examined.

“The witnesses protested against being summoned for the next hearing as it will result in a lot of expenses for them.

They demanded an allowance for travelling back to Rawalpindi from Karachi,” chief prosecutor Ali said.

Amjad Khan, the fugitive identified by the witnesses, is a shadowy LeT organiser and financier from Karachi who figured in a majority of dossiers provided to Pakistan by India.

Khan, who hails from Multan, played a key role in arranging and providing funds to the ten terrorists who attacked Mumbai.

Khan is one of 20 suspects in the Mumbai attacks who are yet to be traced by Pakistani investigators.

These 20 suspects were named in a chargesheet filed in the anti-terrorism court in 2009. They were all accused of playing a key role in facilitating the Mumbai attacks.

Pakistani authorities have so far arrested seven suspects, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. They have been charged with planning, financing and executing the attacks.

Their trial has progressed at a snail’s pace due to repeated adjournments and various technical delays.

Nine of the terrorists involved in the attack were killed by Indian security forces.

The only surviving attacker, Ajmal Kasab, was hanged in Pune jail on November 21 last year.

US court set to sentence David Headley’s accomplice Rana

Tahawwur Rana, an accomplice of convicted terrorist David Headley, faces up to 30 years in prison during his sentencing in a US court today for providing material support to the Pakistan-based LeT involved in Mumbai attacks as well as for backing a plot to strike a Danish newspaper.

US prosecutors want 30 years’ imprisonment for 52-year- old Pakistani-Canadian Rana, while defence attorneys are seeking a lighter sentence, reportedly no more than a 9-year jail term, citing his poor health. His lawyers are claiming that he was duped into participation by his school-time friend Headley.

Rana was convicted in June 2011 by a federal grand jury, which found the businessman guilty of providing material support to LeT and planning an aborted plot to bomb the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten.

Rana, who was originally arrested in 2009 for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was acquitted of that charge. However, Indian investigators have accused him of being involved in the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people and are seeking to question him for the second time.

Headley, who conducted reconnaissance of the targets of the Mumbai terror attacks for LeT, had entered a plea bargain with the FBI, saving himself from a possible death penalty.

Acting US Attorney Gary S Shapiro has requested the Chicago court in a position paper that Rana be handed down a total of 30 years in prison.

Rana’s sentencing is scheduled for today and his attorney Patrick W Blegan has urged the court for lighter sentencing, citing his client’s poor health condition.

Referring to the heart attack Rana suffered in June 2012 and the hospitalisation thereafter, Blegan said Rana was in in very poor health and requested the judge to take it into account while sentencing.

“It is likely that his health will continue to deteriorate. He will likely at some point require dialysis due to his kidney disease, and is, of course, at risk for a second heart attack or vasovagal event,” Blegan told the court recently.

Pak Cricket Board chief sends Thackeray ‘get well soon’ message

Pakistan‘s cricket board chairman Zaka Ashraf on Thursday sent a “get well soon” message to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, who is in critical condition in Mumbai.

The health condition of the Shiv Sena chief turned critical Wednesday night.

“I have sent a message of get well soon to Mr Bal Thackeray,” Ashraf said.

“Our religion and our Prophet Mohammad taught us that we should wish everyone good health and life and following that I have wished him well and sent him a bouquet,” Ashraf was quoted as having said by Pakistani media.

Thackeray has demanded that the Indian government cancel next month’s tour by the Pakistani cricket team.

The 86-year-old said that sporting ties should not revived until Pakistan brings the perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to justice.

However, the Indian government earlier this month gave the go-ahead for a tour of two Twenty20 and three one-day internationals to commence in December-January — the first between the arch-rivals in five years.

IANS

In The NEWS : Ajmal Amir Kajab

Photograph of Ajmal Kasab, one of the ten terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Victoria Terminus station. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Timeline: Ajmal Kasab’s journey to the noose

The following is the chronology of events in 26/11 terror attack case in which the Supreme Court (SC) today upheld the death sentence of lone Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab:

Nov 26, 2008: Kasab and 9 terrorists launched acommando raid in Mumbai.

Nov 27, 2008: At 1.30am, Kasab caught and placed under arrest, admitted to Nair Hospital.

Nov 29, 2008: All places under siege secured, 9 terrorists were killed.

Nov 30, 2008: Kasab confesses before police.

Dec 27/28, 2008: An identification parade was held.

Jan 13, 2009: ML Tahaliyani was appointed the 26/11 judge.

Jan 16, 2009: Arthur Road Jail was selected for Kasab’s trial.

Feb 5, 2009: Kasab’s DNA samples match with articles found in Kuber.

Feb 20/21, 2009: Kasab made a confession before the magistrate.

Feb 22, 2009: Ujjwal Nikam was appointed special public prosecutor.

Feb 25, 2009: A charge sheet against Kasab, two others were filed in court.

Apr 1, 2009: Anjali Waghmare was appointed Kasab’s lawyer.

Apr 15, 2009: Anjali Waghmare was removed as Kasab’s lawyer.

Apr 16, 2009: Abbas Kazmi was appointed as Kasab’s lawyer.

Apr 17, 2009: Kasab’s confession was opened in court, he retracted.

Apr 20, 2009: The prosecution charged Kasab on 312 counts.

Apr 29, 2009: Experts opined that Kasab was major, .

May 6, 2009: Charges were framed, Kasab charged on 86 counts, but he denied the charges.

May 8, 2009: The first eyewitness deposed and identified Kasab.

June 23, 2009: Non-bailable warrants issued were against 22 including Hafeez Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

Nov 30, 2009: Abbas Kazmi was removed as Kasab’s lawyer

Dec 1, 2009: KP Pawar took the place of Kazmi.

Dec 16, 2009: The prosecution completed its case in 26/11.

Dec 18, 2009: Kasab denied all charges.

March 31, 2010: The arguments in the case end. Special Judge ML Tahaliyani reserves judgment for May 3, 2010.

May 3, 2010: Kasab was convicted, Sabauddin Ahmed and Faheem Ansari were acquitted of all charges.

May 6, 2010: Kasab was sentenced to death by the trial court.

Feb 21, 2011: The Bombay High Court upheld the death sentence to Kasab.

March 2011: Kasab wrote a letter to the SC challenging the HC order.

Oct 10, 2011: The SC stayed the execution of the death sentence awarded to the Pakistani terrorist

Oct 10, 2011: Kasab told the SC that he was brainwashed like a “robot” into committing the heinous crime in the name of “God” and that he did not deserve capital punishment owing to his young age.

Oct 18, 2011: The Supreme Court admited the Maharashtra government’s appeal challenging the acquittal of Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed, co-accused of Ajmal Kasab, in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

Jan 31, 2012: Kasab told the SC that he was not given a free and fair trial in the case.

Feb 23, 2012: The SC heard intercepted conversations between the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and their Pakistani handlers and watched the CCTV footage of the carnage.

Apr 25, 2012: The SC reserves its verdict after a marathon hearing, spanning over two and a half months.

Aug 29, 2012: The SC upheld the death sentence of Kasab and the acquittal of two alleged Indian co-conspirators in the case.

Kasab’s was a unique case: ATS chief Maria

Maharashtra ATS chief Rakesh Maria on Wednesday said that the trial and sentencing of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab was culmination of a “unique” investigation, and a daunting task accomplished by various agencies.

“It was a unique investigation in which 657 witnesses were examined and investigating agencies from all over the world were involved,” he said, reacting to the Supreme Court ruling upholding the death sentence for Kasab.

The investigation was challenging, Maria said, as the conspiracy had been hatched on the foreign soil and the terrorists were well-equipped. The ATS was still hunting for the remaining accused, most of whom were in Pakistan, he said.

He thanked various departments of Mumbai police, forensic department and special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam for their efforts.

Referring to the probe of low-intensity blasts in Pune on August 1, Maria said ATS would try to get a break-through in the case before the Ganesh festival as directed by the state government. The investigation in the J M Road blast was making a good progress, he added.

Vociferous demand to execute Ajmal Kasab at the earliest

The Supreme Court verdict upholding the death sentence of Ajmal Kasab in 26/11 Mumbai attacks case on Wednesday led to a vociferous demand for execution of the Pakistani terrorist at the earliest from parties, kin of the victims and other quarters in the country.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said government, on its part, will ensure that if Kasab files a mercy plea, it is disposed of in minimum time and asked Pakistan to punish other perpetrators who have taken shelter on its soil.

“…Now, he should be given complete sentence quickly. Punishment should be executed quickly,” Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh said reacting to the Supreme Court verdict on Kasab’s appeal against his conviction and sentence.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, “Those who wage war against the country and kill innocents deserve no mercy…. Kasab should be hanged without any delay … enough of ‘biryani’ for him.”

Describing Pakistan as “a terror factory”, he said the government “must take all steps to destroy” terror infrastructure and sought a separate set of laws to deal with terror-related cases.

“No leniency should be shown against this kind of a terrorist. They have tried to destroy the peace of the nation, so he (Kasab) should be hanged as fast as possible,” Naqvi said.

Welcoming the verdict, the ruling Congress also favoured quick execution of Kasab.

Law Minister Salman Khurshid described the judgement as “inevitable” and rejected suggestions of delay in the final verdict saying a country governed by rule of law cannot mete out street justice.

“I had seen the Bombay High Court judgement. It was very, very complicated judgement for the judiciary to have given. They must have worked very hard on it. That’s been upheld by the Supreme Court. I think most people who do analysis of law would say this was an inevitable endorsement that would have come,” he told reporters in Delhi.

Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who led the case against Kasab during the trial process, said the death sentence awarded to Kasab should be executed as soon as possible so that it gives a strong signal to the terrorists that law takes stern action against such acts.

He also demanded that he prosecution against perpetrators of the 2008 terror strikes should now be expedited by the prosecuting agency of Pakistan, he said.

“The (prosecution in Pakistan) should not delay the trial on the ground that India has to furnish evidence because conspiracy behind the terror attacks was hatched in Pakistan and it is for them to prove the same,” Nikam said, adding the apex court in India has also held that criminal conspiracy behind the attacks was hatched in Pakistan.

Eknath Ombale, the brother of assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale who died fighting terrorists during the 26/11 terror attacks, said if Afzal Guru had been hanged 10 years ago, then 26/11 and 13/7 incidents would not have happened.

“We are very happy with the verdict. We are now waiting for it to be implemented,” he said.

“The truth has come out before the world. I request the government to implement the sentence,” he mentioned.

“Had Afzal Guru been hanged 10 years ago, maybe 26/11 and 13/7 wouldn’t have happened,” he said.

“All Indians are awaiting the moment when Kasab will be hanged,” Ombale said.

Kasab clever & shrewd, kills without a twinge of conscience: SC

ajmal-amir-kasab-photo-terrorist-going-to-be-hanged-image-india-attacked.jpg copy (Photo credit: Shekhar_Sahu)

Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab is “quite clever and shrewd” and killed without “the slightest twinge of conscience” said the Supreme Court today, dismissing his plea for leniency on purported ground that he was brain washed by Lashkar-e-Toiba and acted like a robot.

“We are unable to accept the submission that the appellant was a mere tool in the hands of the Lashkar-e-Toiba. He joined the Lashkar-e-Toiba around December 2007 and continued as its member till the end, despite a number of opportunities to leave it.

This shows his clear and unmistakable intention to be a part of the organisation and participate in its designs,” said a bench headed by Justice Aftab Alam.

“It is true that he is not educated but he is a very good and quick learner, has a tough mind and strong determination. He is also quite clever and shrewd,” it further said.

The court said Kasab has many times described himself as a patriotic Pakistani and has no remorse for waging war against India.

“Even after his arrest, he regarded himself as a ‘watan parast,’ a patriotic Pakistani at war with this country. Where is the question of his being brain-washed or acting under remote control? We completely disagree that the appellant was acting like an automaton. During the past months while we lived through this case, we have been able to make a fair assessment of the appellant’s personality,” the bench said.

“Unfortunately, he is wholly remorseless and any feeling of pity is unknown to him. He kills without the slightest twinge of conscience,” the bench said.

Kasab verdict an important milestone: Crime Branch

The Mumbai Crime Branch, which probed the 26/11 terror attack case, has termed as the “important milestone” the Supreme Court verdict upholding death sentence of Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab.

“The Supreme Court’s judgement is an important milestone in fight against terrorism,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Himanshu Roy told a press conference.

On the role of Pakistan, the crime branch chief said, “Abu Jundal’s interrogation further reveals role of Pakistan in exporting terror to our country and his links with LeT”.

Jundal, suspected to be one of the key 26/11 handlers, was deported to India by Saudi Arabia and is currently in the police custody in connection with the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.

“Crime Brnach is collecting very strong evidence against Jundal,” Roy said.

“Those martyrs who laid down their lives to nab Kasab should be given a tribute today,” he said.

“Without them (martyrs) nabbing Kasab and his conviction would not have been possible and those behind the terror strikes exposed,” Roy said.

SOURCE : PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

 

 

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The Terrorist Who Takes Indian Lives, Then Indian Money!

  The money spent on the cold-blooded murderer is making news yet again. The Maharashtra Government has spent over a massive 25 crore for guarding 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab, ever since he was captured in 2008. But, now the Maharashtra Government has refused to bear the cost all by itself.

Maharashtra government has refused to foot the 19.28 crore bill sent by ITBP towards reimbursing expenses for guarding Kasab lodged in the Arthur Road jail here and wants Centre to waive the amount. Home Minister R R Patil today said the state government has requested Centre to waive the 19.28 crore bill sent to it by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), a central para military force.

“What Kasab and his associates did is an attack not only on Mumbai but an attack on India and it is unfair to ask the state government alone to bear the burden,” Patil told the Legislative Council. He was replying to a query raised by Shiv Sena member Ramdas Kadam during a discussion on calling attention motion.

The Home Minister said the state government has been making payments towards food and medical care of Kasab, besides the salaries of the state policemen guarding him. “Rs 5.25 crore was spent on the foolproof jail structure where the Pakistani terrorist is lodged. Apart from it, the government has spent Rs 34,975 on food, Rs 28,066 on medical facility, Rs 1.22 crore on the salary disbursed to the policemen guarding the jail where Kasab is kept,” Patil said.

The ITPB was deployed in the jail in the run-up to the 26/11 trial, held in a special sessions court set up in the jail premises. In 2010, the home department sought an extension for the deployment of the ITBP which comprised around 200 commandos, armed with sophisticated weaponry and communication equipment, for guarding 24×7 the lone surviving Pakistani gunman in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

(With inputs from PTI)

India’s Most Wanted: Pak’s Political Hero

If reports are to be believed, India’s most wanted terrorist and the master brain behind the Mumbai terror attack, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed might soon flex his muscles in the political arena of Pakistan, quite freely and openly. Chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah and the founder of the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, Saeed has once again kept the guessing game alive by neither accepting nor denying rumors of his political ambitions.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Saeed parried questions on his political future and declined to directly acknowledge if JuD would declare itself a political party and contest in the coming elections. Speculations are doing the rounds in Pakistan’s political pitch that the extremist leader would participate in the upcoming elections and would contest for the Punjab Assembly or the National Assembly.

The hardliner said it was a “misconception” to consider that the JuD was not a political party given the activities of the group varying from bringing together different parties to engaging in social programs and raising awareness on different issues are definitely political in nature.

Eyeing the political opportunity in the ongoing unrest in the country and in view of the forthcoming debate in the national assembly on Pakistan’s future ties with the U.S., Saeed had recently called for revenge against India, chanted the slogans of liberation of Kashmir and stepped up his anti-U.S. rhetoric once again. Hafiz Saeed addressed a rally of over 40 religious and political groups in Multan which was also addressed by Hamid Gul, former ISI chief. JuD was very instrumental in bringing together these different groups under one umbrella named Defa-e-Pakistan Council (Defence of Pakistan Council), which is a conglomerate of some 40 religious and extremist groups.

Recently Hafiz Mohammad Saeed had demanded the Pakistani government to announce a date for parting ways with the US and abandoning its war on terrorism. He warned that if the government reopened NATO supply routes which were closed in November last year, the Defa-e-Pakistan Council would ‘gherao’ the parliament in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the troubled Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has reportedly directed the Interior Ministry to counter the political activities of banned and extremist groups in the Defa-e-Pakistan Council.

(With PTI Inputs)

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India’s Most Wanted Criminals

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released a new list of India’s most wanted criminals. While few of these terrorist have rewards on their heads from Rs 2 lakh to to Rs 10 lakh, other few have Interpol’s Red Corner Notices issued against them.

Hafiz Muhammad Saeed:

Hafiz, the founder of proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), clearly would be one among the most wanted criminals. He is wanted in many cases of attacks inside India, including the 2008 Mumbai attack, and the 2006 Mumbai train bombings. As per Indian Intelligence sources, Hafiz also masterminded and headed the Indian Parliament attack in 2001. He has a Red Corner Notice issued against him.

Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi:

Zaki-ur-Rehman also has a Red Corner Notice issued against him. He was the man behind many attacks inside India, including the 2008 Mumbai attack, and the 2006 Mumbai train bombings.

Illyas Kashmiri:

Head of al-Qaeda’s operational arm, Illyas is also one among the most wanted. He played a role in a number of terror strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He also has a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Though reports suggest he was killed in 2011, his death is not yet confirmed. However, Kashmiri is still listed in the Most Wanted list.

Shakir Hussain Sheikh:

He is wanted for the September 2011 Delhi high court blast. NIA has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

Ramchandra Kalsangra:

He is wanted in connection with investigation into the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast. NIA has announced a reward of 10 lakh for any information leading to his arrest and LOC against him has been issued by Bureau of immigration.

Amir Ali Kamal:

Amir also known as Akram, is yet another on the Most Wanted list. He is wanted for the September 2011 Delhi high court blast. The NIA has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

Junaid Akram Malik:

The NIA has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to Junaid’s arrest. He also has a Red Corner Notice issued against him. He was one among the involved in the Delhi High Court blast.

Sandeep Dange:

Sandeep is wanted in connection with investigation into the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast. NIA has announced a cash reward of 10 Lakh for any information leading to his arrest. He has been announced as a Proclaimed Offender.  An LOC against him has been issued by Bureau of immigration.

Suresh Nair:

Suresh is wanted in connection with the 2007 Ajmer Dargah Sharif bomb blast. NIA has also announced reward of Rs 2 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

Amit:

Also known as Ashok/Prince is wanted in connection with investigation into the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast. NIA has announced a cash reward of 2 Lakhs on any information leading to his arrest. He also has an LOC issued against by the Bureau of immigration.

The other names in the Most Wanted list include Bhavesh Patel, Jauyanti Bhai Gohil, Mehul and Mohan who have a cash reward of 2 lakh on their head. Abdur Rehman Hashim, Major Sameer Ali, Major Iqbal and Sajid Majid are among the ones issued with a Red Corner Notice. Brahamchari Mayum Angobi Sharma, Brahamchari Mayum Gopal Krishna Sharma, Jay Prakash, Khungdong Tomba, Mohammed Ashar, Praveen Limkar, Y. Nabinchand, P.P. Yoosaf and Rudra Patil are among the ones who are accused of being Proclaimed Offenders. Shoukat Ali is also one among them with a reward of 25 thousand on his head.

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26/11 Attacks: 3 Years on, Survivors Await Kasab’s Execution

Three years after Ajmal Amir Kasab and his accomplices convulsed the country’s financial capital, the survivors of 26/11terror attacks are still waiting for the day when the convicted Pakistani gunman will be hanged.

“Why is Kasab not hanged yet? What are we waiting for, another 26/11 type horrific attack? Kasab and his accomplices went on a rampage and shook every one of us. Why the government is not doing enough. Whenever I read anything about Kasab it just annoys me,” 13-year-old Devika Rotwan, told PTI.

On the ill-fated night of November 26, 2008 Devika’s father Natwarlal was waiting at the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) here with his daughter and son Akash for a train, when two terrorists opened fire at the railway station.
“I am fine today but still I face difficulty while walking. My studies are going good. But in the last three years, we have shifted our house four times as neighbours often complain and fear for their lives due to our presence,” the eighth grade girl, said.
Jewish couple–Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivika’s cook Qazi Zakir Hussain alias Jackie, a Muslim, who was there at the Chabad House, when two terrorists pulverised the Jewish centre mourns the death of his employers even as he wonders why Kasab is still around.

“The fantastic thing about our country is that good people like my employers – Rabbi and Rivika get killed and the evil ones like Kasab are having a good time in jail at the expense of the common man,” Jackie said.

“I think the Kasab case would go the Afzal Guru way. The same process keeps on getting repeating for every accused and even in this case it’s the same. Even though a special fast track court was set up, the fate of Kasab is still hanging.. After Supreme Court, he will approach for mercy petition and this process will go on for years and years,” Bharat said, who owns a chemist shop near Leopold Cafe, one of the first sites to be attacked, lost his brother Subhash on that day. His hope for justice has now stymied.

The state government has fulfilled “majority of the recommendations” of the Ram Pradhan committee instituted after the 26/11 attacks to suggest measures on how to improve the security system in the state, Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) U C Sarangi said.

“On the lines of the NSG, we have set up a 350 strong elite commando unit called Force one which is well equipped with the latest weapons and trained by Army and foreign experts. Every year, Rs 17 crore is being spent on this unit,” he said.

As part of security measure to protect shores of Mumbai, Maharashtra Government plans to fit transponders in the boats of fishermen along the coast.

However, some problem areas still remain. Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad ATS is grappling with a severe manpower crunch with 283 posts of the total 732 lying vacant, two-and-a-half years after the panel, set up to probe state police’s response to the Mumbai attacks recommended streamlining the force.

Of the sanctioned strength of 732 personnel for the ATS, which was formed in 2004 to counter terrorism and probe terror cases, 283 posts or 38.66 percent of the required manpower are lying vacant as on September 1, 2011, ATS sources said.

Ahead of the 26/11 anniversary, there is no specific threat or input from intelligence agencies but there is always a chance that terror outfits could resort to a “symbolic strike” to mark the third anniversary of the worst terror strike on India, home department sources said. Among the events being held tomorrow to mark the third anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks is unveiling of a memorial for slain policeman Tukaram Ombale.

A bust of Ombale will be unveiled tomorrow at Girgaum Chowpatty. Three years have passed since that fateful night when Assistant Sub Inspector Ombale lost his life while trying to nab terrorist Ajmal Kasab at Girgaum Chowpatty.

The four-feet high bronze statue was fabricated on the basis of approved photographs of Ombale and his uniform, the sculptors said.

On the eve of the terror attacks, memories of that fateful night come rushing back to the braveheart’s wife Tarabai and four daughters.

“My mother is still coming to terms with the loss, but around this time each year she is a little more anxious than usual,” Vaishali, Ombale’s daughter, said describing her mother’s state of mind.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan will be laying a wreath at the martyrs memorial situated at Police gymkhana in South Mumbai. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be present.

Apart from the remembrance of the victims of the attack and those who died fighting to save Mumbai from terrorists, no other function is planned, Sarangi said.

“The memorial will be thrown open to the public to come and pay their respects,” he said.
The state government run J J Hospital has organised blood donation camps in Mumbai where the city police officials will donate blood, he said.

A Marathi film based on the life of a policeman, witness to the 26/11 attacks, is being released on the eve of the third anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. Titled “Hello Jai Hind,” the film has noted art director Nitin Desai debuting as an actor and music by Ilayaraja, who is composing for a Marathi film for the first time.”It is about life of the family of a policeman and how the city recovered from the attacks,” said Gajendra Ahire, director of the film. “It is also about how we continue to live in fear of terror attacks.
Kavita Karkare, wife of slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare, said she was shocked at the apathy of the government. “Our leaders had made tall claims that the security system has been strengthened and no such attack will take place again. But the blasts in July this year exposed hollowness of their claims,” she said.

“Even Pakistan has said that Kasab should be hanged, then what are we waiting for”, questioned Jackie.

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Maharashtra has spent Rs 16 crore on Kasab so far

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the Pakistani gunman who unleashed terror in the city along with his nine associates, is still bleeding state coffers three years after he killed more than 100 people on November 26, 2008.

The state home department has since spent Rs 16.17 crore on accommodating the terrorist at the Arthur Road jail, including constructing a special cell, deploying forces from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and on his safety, food and medical treatment.

The expenditure does not include legal fees paid to the special public prosecutor and his team. The state is taking a stock of Kasab’s expenses in the wake of the third anniversary of the 26/11 attacks.

“So far, there are no changes in the way we are going to treat him in the future. We continue to spend on Kasab since his security is a prime concern. To ensure adequate healthcare, we incurred a treatment cost of Rs 26,953 since 2008,” said an official from the state home department.

Ten terrorists had attacked various locations in the city on 26/11, killing more than 100 people and injuring several more. While Kasab was caught alive, the others were gunned down by the police. After the trial in a special court, sessions court judge M L Tahilyani sentenced Kasab to death. The order was upheld by the high court on February 21, 2011. Since then, the state has been ensuring that in the process of giving him a fair trial, Kasab gets food, accommodation and adequate medical facility.

So far, Rs 5.29 crore has been spent on setting up a special cell for Kasab, who was shifted into it after state authorities found existing safety arrangements within the prison inadequate for a high-profile criminal. The expenditure on the deployment of ITBP has been Rs 10.87 crore; another Rs 27,520 has been spent on food and Rs 26,953 on medicines. “The cost of food has been steadily rising but we are able to keep it roughly about Rs 25 per day,” said the official.

5.3 crore spent on Kasab’s special cell

Ten terrorists had attacked various locations in the city on 26/11, killing more than 100 people and injuring several more. While Kasab was caught alive, the others were gunned down by the police. After the trial in a special court, sessions court judge M L Tahilyani sentenced Kasab to death.

The order was upheld by the high court on February 21, 2011. Since then, the state has been ensuring that in the process of giving him a fair trial, Kasab gets food, accommodation and adequate medical facility.

So far, Rs 5.29 crore has been spent on setting up a special cell for Kasab. The expenditure on the deployment of ITBP has been Rs 10.87 crore; Rs 27,520 has been spent on food and Rs 26,953 on medicines. “The cost of food has been steadily rising but we are able to keep it roughly about Rs 25 per day,” said the official.

Upkeep Monitor

Total state spend on Kasab

* Rs 5.29 crore on constructing a special cell

* Rs 10.87 crore on deploying forces from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police

* Rs 27,520 on food

* Rs 26,953 on medicines

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Kasab Should Be Hanged: Rehman Malik

Ajmal Amir Kasab, convicted by an Indian court for the 26/11 Mumbai attack, is a terrorist and should be sent to the gallows, Pakistan‘s Interior Minister Rehman Malik said after delegation level talks between the two countries.

He said the Pakistani judicial commission looking into the terror attack would be coming to India soon and would positively impact the trial of those accused in the Mumbai terror attack.

“The judicial commission has a limited mandate. They’ll be in India any time after we hear from the Indian side. They will submit the report after the visit which is going to give a positive impact to the judicial process (of 26/11),” Malik told reporters at the Shangri La Hotel.

Talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan’s Yousuf Raza Gilani were preceded by delegation level discussions between the two countries.

The judicial commission report, Malik said, would help plug the legal lacuna and move forward the trial of those accused in the Nov 26 Mumbai terror attack.

India had last week welcomed Pakistan’s decision to send a judicial commission to interview witnesses connected with the 26/11 terror probe.

“We look forward to the visit of the judicial commission,”Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai had told reporters Nov 5.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner Shahid Malik has conveyed to Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram that the Pakistani government would soon be sending the commission to take forward the process of bringing to justice the perpetrators and conspirators of the Mumbai carnage.

The commission is expected to record the statements of Mumbai Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate R.V. Sawant Waghule and investigating officer Ramesh Mahale, who had recorded the confessional statement of Ajmal Amir Kasab, convicted of the terror attack.

Islamabad has contended that the charges against seven LeT militants, including its ‘operation commander’ Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who are currently lodged in a Pakistani jail, were based on Kasab’s statement and hence the magistrate and the investigating officer’s statements were necessary to furnish before the anti-terror court.

At least 166 people were killed in the 26/11 attack by 10 Pakistan-based terrorists in Mumbai.

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