MUMBAI, May 2 (IANS): Those whose lives changed forever on 26/11 - family members or friends dead or haunted by shocking memories - say on judgement day on Monday, no mercy should be shown to Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the terrorist captured alive that day. He should be hanged, and hanged in public for all to see, they say.
That is certainly what 60-year-old Mohammed Hanif Peer Mohammed believes. "Those terrorists killed my sister's husband. The sole surviving terrorist should not be spared. He should be hanged in public," he said.
Indru Mansukhani, 71, a survivor of the attack in Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel - one of the many prominent Mumbai locations targeted that day - said it makes no sense giving Kasab a life sentence. "He is one of those responsible for killing so many people. There is no need to take pity on him. He is a murderer," said Mansukhani.
They are waiting for the verdict on Monday, which will mark a full 521 days after the bloody siege in India's financial and entertainment capital. Justice will be delivered to Kasab, the only one captured alive from among the 10 Pakistan-based terrorists who attacked Mumbai that day. The assault left 166 people dead and 244 injured.
Kavita Karkare, widow of slain Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare who was shot three times in the chest as he led his men at the Taj Mahal Hotel to free it of terrorists, is eagerly awaiting the verdict. "Let us see what the verdict is. I will speak to you only after that," she told IANS.
Many survivors even feel that Kasab should be hanged and the event should be telecast live.
Bharat Gujjar, 33, who survived the attack at Leopold Caf�, is strictly against keeping Kasab alive. "I have heard talk of the Pakistan government asking for Kasab's custody. But if that is done, I am sure he will be saved. Giving him a life term is also not advisable," said Gujjar.
Ragini S Sharma, widow of slain railway officer Sushilkumar Sharma, said: "Kasab should be sentenced to most rigorous punishment. Kasab and all others should realise that their act of terrorism has taken away beloved members of our family. He should be hanged till death in public."
Deepak Bhonsale, the son of assistant sub-inspector Balasaheb Bhonsale who was killed that day, said he is finally glad that judgement day has arrived. "Although it took more than 17 months to pass a verdict against such a criminal, I am glad we will finally hear the sentence. He has taken the lives of many innocent people. He should be hanged till death."
Timeline of Mumbai terror attacks trial
Finally, the verdict in the Mumbai terror attacks trial will be delivered tomorrow by Special Judge ML Tahaliyani. The following is the timeline of the Nov 26-29, 2008, carnage trial:
2008:
Nov 26: Ajmal Amir Kasab and 9 other Pakistani fidayeens launch commando style attacks simultaneously at several locations in and around south Mumbai.
Nov 27: Around 1.30 am, Kasab is caught by policemen from Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai, placed under arrest and admitted to Nair hospital.
Nov 29: Kasab gives statement to police, confesses his role in the carnage.
Nov 29: All places under siege secured, 9 terrorists killed, Kasab sole terrorist caught alive.
Nov 30: Kasab records confession before police.
Dec 27/28: Identification parade held.
2009:
Jan 13: Maharashtra government appoints ML Tahaliyani as 26/11 trial Special Judge.
Jan 16: Arthur Road Jail selected, prepared and fortified for the high profile Kasab trial.
Feb 5: Kasab's DNA samples match with articles seized from shipping vessel Kuber.
Feb 20/21: Kasab makes confession before Magistrate RV Sawant-Wagule.
Feb 22: Ujjwal Nikam, veteran of March 12, 1993, terror trial, appointed Special Public Prosecutor for 26/11 trial.
Feb 25: Charge sheet against Kasab, two others filed in Esplanade Metropolitan Court.
Apr 1: Court appoints Anjali Waghmare as Kasab's lawyer.
Apr 15: Anjali Waghmare removed as Kasab's lawyer.
Apr 16: SG Abbas Kazmi appointed as Kasab's lawyer.
Apr 17: Kasab's confession opened in court, he retracts it.
Apr 20: Prosecution charges Kasab on 312 counts.
Apr 29: Kasab is major: experts' opinion.
May 6: Charges framed, Kasab charged on 86 counts, but he denies charges.
May 8: First eyewitness deposes, identifies Kasab.
June 23: Non-bailable warrants issued against 22, including wanted accused Hafeez Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, who are absconders.
June 25: Kasab suffering from stomach ulcers, court told.
July 20: Kasab pleads guilty before Judge Tahaliyani.
Nov 30: SG Abbas Kazmi removed as Kasab's lawyer.
Dec 1: KP Pawar officially takes place of Kazmi.
Dec 16: Prosecution completes case in 26/11 terror attack.
Dec 18: Kasab denies all charges.
2010:
Feb 11: 26/11 lawyer Shahid Azmi shot dead.
Feb 22: David Coleman Headley issue crops up in court.
Feb 23: Final arguments begin from March 9.
March 31: Arguments in the case end.
April 6: Home Minister RR Patil says the bodies of 9 slain terrorists - lying in morgue for over 15 months - had been secretly disposed off.
May 3: Special Judge ML Tahaliyani to pronounce the verdicts for Kasab, co-acused Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed in the Special Court, Mumbai.
