Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, Mr. Ujjwal Nikam on Tuesday said in Mumbai that the prosecution will wind up its arguments by the first anniversary of the attacks. Mr. Nikam said that 265 witnesses have been examined so far and about ten more are remaining. He added that the evidence of another 300 witnesses would be added by filing their affidavits in the Special Arthur Road court that is hearing the case. The accused in the trial that began on 8th of May include the lone surviving terrorist Ajmal Kasab and two Indians, Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed. While Kasab faces charges of multiple murders, others are charged with conspiracy. After prosecution closes its case, defence lawyers may exercise their right to examine their witnesses, and then the court pronounce its verdict.<br/><br/>In the trial so far, 30 eyewitnesses have identified Kasab. Forensic experts have also given their opinion that the DNA samples collected from Kuber does match with the DNA of Kasab and five other slain terrorists. The prosecution has also screened in the court CCTV footages of terrorists from cameras installed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Times of India Building, Hotel Taj and Hotel Oberoi-Trident. Besides CCTV footages, weapons and RDX seized from Kasab and the slain terrorists have also been placed as evidence. The prosecution is relying upon Kasab's confession before a Magistrate wherein he recorded that the conspiracy to commit Mumbai terror attacks was hatched in Pakistan. The prosecution is also banking on a plea made by Kasab in the court partly accepting his guilt in the crime.<br/>
News On AIR | November 24, 2009 10:49 PM
26/11 case hearing to wound up by 26 Nov: Nikam