Kasab gets copy of SC's death sentence verdict

Mumbai terror attack convict Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, who is lodged in a high-security jail in Mumbai, has been given a certified copy of the Supreme Court verdict confirming his death sentence.

"Kasab was given the certified copy of his death sentence confirmation verdict three days ago, on which he had signed. One copy was given to him and the other was sent to the Supreme Court," an official of Arthur Road Jail said on Tuesday.

Asked if the Pakistani terrorist had been explained about the options before him, including moving a mercy plea, the official replied, "Kasab was told about all the procedures and rights he has as a convict, including moving a mercy petition before the President, but he did not react."

When the terrorist, lodged in a bomb-proof "anda cell" (egg shaped cell), was first informed about the apex court upholding his death penalty, Kasab did not appear shocked, the official added.

On August 29, the Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty awarded to the Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative by the trial court and later upheld by the Bombay high court.

A bench of Justices Aftab Alam and C K Prasad dismissed the 25-year-old's plea challenging his conviction and death sentence in the 26/11 case.

Kasab and nine other Pakistani terrorists had landed in south Mumbai on November 26, 2008 after traveling from Karachi by sea and had gone on a shooting spree at various landmarks, killing 166 people, including foreigners.

While Kasab was captured alive, the other terrorists were killed by security forces.

The SC also upheld the acquittal of two Indians who were alleged to be co-conspirators in the case.

In his special leave petition against the high court judgment, Kasab had claimed he was brainwashed like a "robot" into committing the crime in the name of "God" and pleaded that he did not deserve the death penalty, keeping in view his young age.

He was sentenced to death by a special court on May 6, 2010. The high court on February 21 last year upheld the trial court's order and found him guilty of taking part in the "brutal and diabolical" attacks aimed at "destabilising" the government.

The Pakistani terrorist was found guilty of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the nation and various other provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act.

The HC had confirmed Kasab's conviction on 19 counts under the IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Foreigners Act, Passport Act and Railway Act.