Kasab takes different stand, says he cannot follow proceedings

Mumbai, April 20 (PTI) Prime accused and lone surviving
terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Mohammed Ajmal
Amir Kasab, Monday departed from his earlier stand, saying he
could not understand the proceedings of the court conducted in
English.

"Except for words ... Kasab and Pakistan ... I cannot
understand what the prosecutor is telling the court," accused
Kasab told Judge M L Tahilyani.

Twice earlier, Kasab had told the court that he could
follow the proceedings and also that he could understand
English. But, Monday, he took a different stand.

When Kasab was produced before the court, he looked dull
and sat with folded hands without displaying any feelings or
emotions. This prompted the judge to have a dialogue with him.

Judge : "Tumhari problem kya hai?" (what is your problem?)

Kasab : "Meri problem yeh hai ki kuch bhi samajhnmein
nahin aata" (My problem is that I cannot understand anything)

Judge : Kyun? (Why?)

Kasab : Sirf Kasab aur Pakistan Yehi hi sunayi deta hai
(I can hear only Kasab and Pakistan, the rest I cannot follow)
Hindi mein ho jai to acha hoga (it will be fine if proceedings
are conducted in Hindi).

Judge : Tumhari Tabhiyat to thik hai? (Are you all right?)

At this juncture Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam intervened to say
Kasab was all right and appeared to be fine.

Nikam then continued with his submissions. PTI SVS
PMR