This Article is From Apr 15, 2009

Ajmal Qasab, the smiling terrorist

Ajmal Qasab, the smiling terrorist
Mumbai:

On Wednesday for the first time captured 26/11 terrorist Qasab stepped into an open court. He was fidgety and smiled throughout the proceedings.

Ajmal Qasab entered the court room for the first time on Wednesday dressed in a grey t-shirt and blue track pants that barely reached his shin. Just about 5 feet 2, slightly hunched, fair and sporting a beard.

Qasab was constantly giggling and laughing in the court. It seemed like he was enjoying being the center of attention. Also perhaps because he claims he did not understand the court proceedings.

At the beginning the Judge asks Qasab in Hindi: "Do you want to say anything?"

Qasab answers: "I have nothing to say for the moment. In case I do I will talk to my lawyer."

Judge M L Tahiliyani: "Do you know who your lawyer is?"

Ajmal Qasab: "Anjali Waghmare."

Judge M L Tahiliyani: "Do you know who she is?"

Qasab points to Anjali.

As arguments continued on Anjali's appointment Qasab sat chatting with fellow accused Fahim Ansari Judge Tahiliyani stopped him asking: "Do you understand what is happening?"

Qasab said, "No."

When Waghmare was removed as his lawyer, Qasab continued to smile and later asked the court for a Pakistani lawyer arguing that they in turn could engage an Indian one.

The prosecution has said it will forward Qasab's request to the Pakistan government and will wait for its response but will continue looking for a lawyer on its end.

.