Mumbai, April 01: Anjali Waghmare, the lawyer appointed to represent captured 26/11 attacker Ajmal Amir Kasab, has agreed to fight the case of the dreaded terrorist.
Confirming her decision to justice Tahiliani, who will preside over Kasab’s trial, Waghmare said, “I will continue as Kasab’s lawyer and will represent him in trial.”
Defending her decision to defend Kasab, Waghmare said, “I am an Indian citizen and I have taken Kasab’s case in the country’s interest.”
She informed the mediapersons she had told that she will continue if the government assures her security. “The government has kept its word and I have kept mine,” she said referring to government’s decision to provide her with Z security.
The lawyer also adopted a conciliatory tone towards those opposed to her decision and who attacked her house saying that their reaction was emotional and expressed confidence that in due course of time they will support her decision.
She however said that she was shocked by the attack.
The Shiv Sena, meanwhile, in a U turn, said that it has no problem wid Waghmare supporting Kasab and added that it won’t come in the way of her job.
According to sources, the lawyer was under immense pressure to withdraw from the case.
However, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam rubbished the pressure theories and said, “Anjali Waghmare has decided on her own to fight the case.” He also welcomed her decision and said, “It is a good decision, now the 26/11 trial can move forward.”
Welcoming the decision, senior lawyer Majid Menon said, “It’s a good news. We needed a stable lawyer to represent Kasab.”
On Tuesday, Waghmare had asked the Special Court in Mumbai for a day to consider her position following protests outside her home by Shiv Sena activists.
Earlier, the lawyer had said she was pulling out of the case following an attack on her house by Shiv Sainiks on Monday night.
“Owing to public sentiment, I withdraw from the Kasab case,” she had said.
Recounting the horror, Waghmare told the court that nearly 300 people and not 100 as claimed earlier attacked her house last night.
The judge had said that it is the mandate of law that Kasab be defended in the court.
On Monday night, activists belonging to Shiv Sena staged a protest and pelted stones at Waghmare’s residence at Warli Camp area of the city, police said.
Waghmare was unhurt in the attack and police resorted to a mild lathicharge to disperse the mob. The situation was brought under control.
Shiv Sainiks arrested
The police arrested nine Shiv Sainiks, including a Corporator, in connection with the incident. All of them were sent to one-day custody.
“Nine Sena workers were held for unlawful assembly and house tresspass. They were holding protest outside Waghmare’s residence in Worli Police Camp,” senior police inspector BV Worlikar said.
“They seem to be upset against Waghmare, who is representing Kasab. They were shouting slogans against her,” Joint Police Commissioner KL Prasad (Law and Order) said.
On March 23, Kasab, who had earlier sought consular access from Pakistan, had requested the court to provide a lawyer at the expense of the state, in the absence of a response from Islamabad.