Kasab’s lawyer not worried about hitting protest wall

Anjali is optimistic that by now,the citizens of Mumbai are aware that Kasab cannot go without legal representation and Mumbaikars would help her in assisting the court.

That could be the reason why Anjali,as of now,has not sought any security cover. Another factor could be that she is the wife of a Mumbai police officer.

“We have not received any application from Waghmare seeking protection. However,if she does seek protection for herself,her request will be scrutinised and an appropriate decision will be taken,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rakesh Maria,

Earlier,lawyers like K B N Lam,Ashok Sarogi and Mukesh Deshmukh of Amravati had shown willingness to appear for Kasab,one of the ten terrorists who attacked Mumbai on 26/11. These lawyers were either physically assaulted or their houses ransacked by individuals or members of political parties,who wanted them not to defend Kasab.

Anjali says,“People now understand that as per the Constitution every accused needs a lawyer. Though initially there were some incidents (protests against lawyers willing to defend Kasab),there won’t be any repeats.” Anjali will be assisted by another lawyer during the trial to be held inside the special court being set up inside Arthur Road Jail.

Special Sessions Judge M L Tahilyani appointed to hear the case,and Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam have been given high security by the home department.

Meanwhile,co-accused Fahim Ansari sought to be defended by three senior criminal lawyers who are not on the legal aid panel. He informed the court that he would like to have the services of one of the lawyers,Sudeep Pasbola,Mubin Solkar or Hyderali Moman. Judge Tahilyani denied the request stating they were not on the legal aid panel. Ansari replied that he would then want to continue with his earlier lawyer Ejaz Naqvi.

Another co-accused,Sabbaudin Ahmed,also agreed to Naqvi as his lawyer during the trial. Both had earlier raised apprehensions in continuing with Naqvi as their lawyer.