This Article is From Apr 15, 2009

Trial of 26/11 terrorist Qasab begins

Mumbai:

Ajmal Amir Qasab, the lone terrorist captured in Mumbai during the 26/11 attacks was produced for the first time on Wednesday before a special court.

For the victims of the terror attacks it is the D-day.

Given the levels of security very little information will trickle out of the court, at least till the court breaks for lunch.

There is unprecedented security at Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail to ensure the safety of Ajmal Amir Qasab, the lone terrorist caught alive.

Intelligence reports suggest, Qasab is on the hitlist of his own group, the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the D-company.

"The world has to know that inspite of all this we can ensure a fair trial," said Naseem Khan, Minister of State for Home, Maharashtra.

Journalists covering this trial were screened by the Mumbai police to ensure they have no criminal record against them. Their fingerprints have been taken and special entry passes were issued.

The special court inside the jail, where the trial is being held, is bomb-proof, just like Qasab's own cell.

A 20-feet long bullet and bomb proof passage took Qasab to and from court, with CCTV cameras watching every inch.

On the outside, the usual checks - metal detectors and frisking was done by the local police with the support of Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

Sources inside the jail say Qasab is still not repentant for what he has done. He prays five times a day and says he misses his mother and sister.

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