Mumbai terror attack: Kasab challenges death sentence in SC

Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab has moved the Supreme Court challenging his conviction and death sentence in the 28/11 Mumbai attacks.

"Kasab has moved an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court verdict confirming his death sentence slapped on him by a trial court for his role in the 26/11 attacks," sources said. Surinder Singh, IG (Prison), Arthur Road Jail, said Kasab has filed the petition in the apex court through the jail authorities. The Bombay High Court had by its February 21 verdict upheld the death sentence of Kasab for the "brutal and diabolical" 26/11 Mumbai attacks aimed at "destabilising" the government. Kasab''s death penalty was upheld on charges of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the nation, IPC section related to murder and under sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court also upheld his conviction on 19 counts under IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Foreigners Act, Passport Act and Railway Act. The High Court verdict acquitting two alleged Indian co-conspirators Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed for want of corroborative evidence has also been challenged by the Maharashtra government. The trial court had also acquitted Faheem and Sabauddin. However, the High Court held that Kasab''s crime fell under the rarest of rare category deserving capital punishment.