Pak anti-terrorism court issues non-bailable warrants against Kasab, Fahim Ansari

RAWALPINDI - An Anti-Terorrism Court (ATC) here on Saturday issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Ajmal Amir Kasab, the convicted Mumbai attack gunman, and his Indian aide Faheem Ansari.

According to reports, hearing the 26/11 terror attack case, the ATC issued the warrants and later adjourned the hearing till July 24.

Sources in Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said that the warrants would be sent to India for further action, The Dawn reports.

The Special anti-terror court set up in the Arthur Jail premises in Mumbai had awarded Kasab the death sentence for his role in the ghastly November 26 2008 terror attacks, but it aquitted Ansari over lack of evidence against him.

Kasab, however, has filed an appeal in the Bombay High Court challenging the verdict and sought a legal aid panel to fight his case.

It has been reported that Kasab filed the appeal through the jail authorities and his plea for a lawyer has been forwarded to the High Court Legal Services Committee (HCLSC).

Pakistan has long been seeking Kasab’s extradition, saying it was necessary for speedy action against other accused in the Mumbai attack case, who are currently in detention.

It had also approached the Interpol seeking Kasab’s custody.

It is pertinent to mention here that Union Home Secretary G K Pillai had said that Kasab may be hanged by the end of this year provided there is no legal bar.

“If there is no petition from him (Kasab) challenging the sessions court verdict in the higher court, he can be hanged by the year-end,” Pillai had said. (ANI)