Kasab claims 4 of nine slain terrorists were Indians

Mumbai: Pakistani terror accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab claimed before the special court in Mumbai on Monday that four of the nine slain terrorists in the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were Indians, a top legal functionary said.

Continuing the recording of his statement before Special Judge M L Tahalyani, Kasab claimed that while one of the slain terrorists was a Kashmiri, another was from Gujarat and two were from "Bombay", said Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

"The person you call Abu Ali and whose pictures I was shown was a Kashmiri. Another one you call Abu Ismail was from 'Bombay,' plus one more from Mumbai and another from Gujarat," Kasab said as the court gathering heard with disbelief.

Nikam told IANS: "The drama of lies and concoctions by the accused (Kasab) are continuing, but the prosecution case is very strong. His absurd claims will not weaken our case."

As per the sequence of events, the police investigations and the prosecution case, Abu Ismail was gunned down at Girgaum Chowpatty in the same gunbattle in which Kasab was caught alive. Kasab also said that among the terrorists who attacked Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, there was one from "Bombay" another from Kashmir and one from Gujarat.

When asked how he knew these details, Kasab said that this was mentioned in Abu Ali's mobile SIM card, which he was shown.

About Abu Ismail, he said it was quite evident from his complexion and appearance that he was from Bombay.

Incidentally, Kasab has earlier claimed during his recording of statement that he was not involved in the 26/11 terror attacks and also claimed that he worked as a cook in Pakistan, but was lured to Mumbai by Bollywood prospects.

On an earlier occasion, he has claimed that he had been interrogated by four white persons of whom one was David Coleman Headley, one of the terror accused who is now in the custody of the US police.

Kasab has been retracting his earlier statements before various authorities, denying evidences and witnesses' depositions before the special court and making unbelievable claims during the ongoing recording of his statement under Section 313 of Criminal Procedure Code since the past few weeks.

Kasab's statements is likely to be completed within two days before the special court.