Thaindian News

Mumbai, Nov 25 (IANS) The expenditure incurred on keeping 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab secure in a Mumbai jail may not be as high as projected, say some prominent lawyers who have dealt with the case.

Criticising reports published in a certain section of the media, Special Public Prosecutor for the case Ujjwal Nikam said, “Some say Rs.50 crore has been spent on Kasab while others quote another figure. However, there is no official confirmation on any of these figures and I don’t think the government has spent that big an amount.”

Abbas Kazmi, Kasab’s former defence counsel, subscribed to the view.

He said that most lawyers have not charged more than Re.1 as their fee to defend him.

“What expenses have been incurred on him must be only slightly higher than what is spent on other criminals,” Kazmi said.

Of the 10 Pakistani terrorists who wreaked mayhem and havoc in Mumbai three years ago, killing 166 people, Kasab was the only one to be caught alive. He is in solitary confinement in a fortified cell in the Arthur Road Jail here.

He was sentenced to death May 6, 2010, by Sspecial Judge M.L. Tahaliyani. The Supreme Court Oct 10 this year stayed the execution of the death sentence. It directed completion of pleading by Nov 30 and that the appeal be listed for final hearing Jan 31, 2012.