We shall toe the defence line adopted by Kasab: Lawyer

Mumbai, Dec 27 (PTI) The stand taken by Pakistani gunman
Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11 court that he is not a terrorist and
was not involved in last year's Mumbai terror attacks, would
now become the focal point of arguments to be advanced by his
lawyer shortly.

"We have to toe the line taken by the accused while
giving statement to the court on evidence adduced by the
prosecution," advocate K P Pawar, defending Kasab in the case,
told PTI.
Asked whether he would examine defence witnesses, Pawar
said he had not yet decided on this aspect although there were
two to three witnesses who might be considered.
Defence witnesses are those whom Kasab would like to
examine to defend himself in the trial.
"Kasab's U-turn at this juncture is a calculated move on
his part to mislead the court. He is following the Al-qaeda
manual which harps on the theme of misleading," Special Public
Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said.
In his statement to the trial court, Kasab has retracted
his confession made before a Magistrate and said he had come
from Pakistan not by a boat but by Samjhauta Express train.
He also denied having taken part in the November 26
terror attacks and said the "terrorist" seen in photographs
and CCTV footage might be someone else looking like him.

Kasab has also denied having attended the training camp
in Pakistan where conspiracy was hatched to attack Mumbai on
November 26 last year and said that his version was taken
under duress by police. He blamed the Magistrate for not
recording the correct version.
Kasab's statement before Judge M L Tahaliyani would
continue to be recorded on January 6 when the court resumes
hearing after Christmas vacation.
Kasab has also disputed the testimony of eye-witnesses
who had identified him in the police parade and in the court,
saying they might have seen someone else who looks like him.
According to Pawar, Kasab has dwelt on many aspects of
evidence tabled against him and his statement may conclude
within a day or two after the court reopens.
Thereafter, the other two accused, Faheem Ansari and
Sabauddin Ahmed may be called upon to give their statements on
evidence adduced against them.
All the accused would be given an opportunity to examine
witnesses to defend themselves. If this happens then the
prosecution would have a right to cross examine the witnesses.
PTI SVS
RDM