Ajmal Kasab did not react after the judges delivered their three-sentence verdict. Kasab – the only terrorist caught alive during the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai – was sentenced to death last year by a lower court for waging war against India. 166 people died during 26/11 after ten Pakistani terrorists, including Kasab, sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and unleashed attacks in different parts of the city.
In addition to signing off on the earlier verdict, the Bombay High Court also considered – and dismissed today – Kasab’s appeal against his death sentence. Kasab can now appeal in the Supreme Court against today’s verdict.
Last year, the trial court handling 26/11 acquitted two Indians – Faheem Ansari, Sabahuddin Shaikh – who were accused of helping the 26/11 terrorists to plan their attack against Mumbai. The government had appealed against their acquittal, but in this matter too, the High Court has agreed with the trial court’s decision.
Kasab was not allowed to attend court hearings in the Bombay High Court for security reasons. He is kept in a special bomb-proof and bullet-proof cell at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail.