We will challenge Sabahuddin, Ansari's acquittal: Nikam

Hailing the conviction of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab for the Mumbai terror attacks, Special Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam on Monday said the acquittal of two other accused in the case will be challenged in a higher court.

"I am very happy (about the conviction of Kasab). But I regret the acquittal of two other accused Faheem Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed. The court has given them the benefit of doubt. We will challenge their acquittal," Nikam said.

"Today, the third of May, also marks the final line in Kasab's fate," said Nikam.

"I will recommend to the government to challenge the acquittal of the two in a higher court," he said.

"I will prove their role in the 26/11 conspiracy. I will ensure that the court accepts the circumstantial evidence against them," he said.

He added, "They are dangerous and cunning terrorists. They were passive actors in the 26/11 terror attack. They supplied maps of possible targets to the Lashkar-e-Tayiba,"

On the conviction of Kasab, he said the Pakistani national was a symbol of terrorism and the verdict has unmasked those who were part of the conspiracy.

Kasab, the lone surviving 26/11 terrorist, was today convicted by a special court in Mumbai for the audacious attacks that claimed 166 lives.

The court also held that 20 of the wanted accused, including LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, operations chief Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Abu Hamza, were involved in the 26/11 conspiracy.

However, two alleged Indian conspirators -- Ahmed and Ansari -- who allegedly prepared the maps of the terror targets and handed those over to LeT for the execution of their plans, were acquitted of all charges, as the court said the evidence produced by the prosecution could not be relied upon.