Ajmal Kasab was sentenced to death yesterday by Judge M.L. Tahaliyani on four counts of murder, waging war against India and conspiracy and terrorism offences. He said that there was evidence indicating “previous, meticulous and systematic planning” with regard to the Mumbai attacks in 2008 in which 166 people were killed and scores injured.
“He should be hanged by the neck until he is dead,” said Judge Tahaliyani. “I don’t find any case for a lesser punishment than death in the case of waging war against India, murder and terrorist acts.”
In the wake of the attack, New Delhi, halted peace talks with Islamabad and wants Pakistan to convict the alleged key operatives: the founder of the Lashkar-i-Taiba (LT) militant group, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Zarar Shah. Hafiz Saeed, head of the Jamaatud Dawa charity, which is perceived as a front for the LT, is also held responsible by India.
