Mumbai:
Are the lawyers representing Ajmal Kasab safe when they meet with him?
Judges at the Bombay High Court are deciding whether guards at the Arthur Road jail should be present when Kasab meets his lawyers. Today, they are expected to view a CD that shows Kasab attacking a jail official on September 1.
In May this year, Kasab was found guilty of waging war against India. He was the only terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. Kasab sailed into Mumbai along with nine other Pakistanis who launched India's worst-ever terror attack. More than 160 people were killed.
Kasab has been sentenced to death. He has appealed against this in the Bombay High Court.
Special prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has submitted security camera footage and documents to the judges to make the point that Kasab is a well-trained commando, and that allowing him to meet his lawyers without jail officials being nearby is a security risk. Arthur Road Jail officials also believe the terrorist's lawyers must have adequate security when they meet him.
Kasab's lawyer, Amin Solkar, has told the court that Kasab is uncomfortable discussing the details of his case in the presence of jail authorities. Solkar has reportedly not seen the security camera footage that shows Kasab attacking a jail official earlier this month.
Solkar has no objection to guards being present during consultations with Kasab, as long as they are not close enough to hear the conversation.