Mercy plea of Ajmal Kasab been rejected by Indian government. Government authorities have recommended the same to President of India. Ajmal Kasab is lone survivor of 2008 Mumbai attacks. At least 166 people including Hemant kurkuray, head of anti terrorist agency. A top home ministry official has confirmed the decision.
Ajmal Kasab 25 was part of a nine member group that landed in Mumbai using sea route on November 26, 2008. They started off from Karachi, a Pakistani coastal city. Alleged to be trained and facilitated Pakistan based organization Lashkar-i-Taiba (LeT) they carried out worst terror attack in the city. All terrorists were killed by security forces except Ajmal Kasab who was captured alive.
Kasab was put on trial that lasted almost four and half years and was sentenced to death by trial court. Kasab filed appeal in Bombay High Court but decision of trial court was maintained. Later on appeal was filed in Supreme Court which was rejected on August 29 this year. Supreme Court upheld the decision of Bombay High Court and confirmed the death penalty awarded to Ajmal Kasab.
Kasab is currently locked in a high security cell in Arthur Road Jail Mumbai where a special bomb proof cell was created for him.
He filed appeal to President of India seeking mercy. Under Indian Judicial system President has authority for remissions. A favorable decision is very unlikely in this case. Mercy appeals usually remain pending for decades in President Office. However high profile nature of Kasab’s case may force a swift decision.
India recently tracked Abu Jundal who handled terrorists telephonically and gave instructions. Abu Jundal is an Indian Citizen who was arrested in Saudi Arabia and deported to Pakistan. Jundal traveled to Saudi Arabia on Pakistani documents. Reportedly Jundal has also acknowledged the role of Ajmal Kasab in Mumbai attacks.
