This Article is From Jun 05, 2009

It's official: Qasab is an adult

It's official: Qasab is an adult
Mumbai: The Special Court on Saturday ruled that the Mumbai attacks main accused Ajmal Amir Qasab was an adult, and therefore, could face the death penalty.

The court ruling is based on the report of an expert medical panel.

Apart from the medical evidence presented before it to determine Qasab's age, the court also heard the testimony of Arthur Road Jailer and the doctor who examined Qasab.

In its decision the court said that Qasab was at least 21 years old on the day of the offence. The judgment is based on the ossification test and dental examination of Qasab.

Earlier, Qasab's lawyer Abbas Kazmi had pleaded that he be allowed to examine the X-rays done by medical experts to determine whether Qasab is a minor or not.

But the judge objected to Qasab's plea, saying it cannot be allowed at this juncture and alleged that the accused was trying to delay the trail.

The X-ray plates pertaining to ossification and dental tests of Qasab tendered by the prosecution had indicated that he was an adult.
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