Mumbai attacks gunman Ajmal Kasab hanged
Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab. — File Photo by AP
MUMBAI: The sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, was executed on Wednesday, nearly four years after 166 people were killed in a three-day rampage through India’s financial capital.
Pakistan-born Kasab was hanged at Yerwada jail in Pune in the western state of Maharashtra after President Pranab Mukherjee rejected his pleas for mercy earlier this month.
“Kasab was transferred to Yerwada jail two days ago. He was hanged at 7:30 this morning (0200 GMT),” Maharashtra home minister R.R. Patil announced to reporters in Mumbai. “His execution is a fitting tribute to the victims of Mumbai attacks.”
The 25-year-old Kasab was one of 10 gunmen who laid siege to the city in attacks that began on November 26, 2008, and lasted nearly three days. It was the deadliest militant onslaught on Indian soil since independence.
He was sentenced to death in May 2010 after he was found guilty of a string of charges, including waging war against India, murder and terrorist acts.
During the attacks, the heavily-armed gunmen stormed targets in Mumbai including luxury hotels, a Jewish centre, a hospital and a bustling train station.
Kasab initially pleaded not guilty at his trial but later confessed, admitting he was one of the gunmen sent by the LeT.
At his trial, the prosecution produced fingerprint, DNA, eyewitness and TV footage evidence showing him opening fire and throwing grenades at Mumbai’s main railway station in the bloodiest episode of the attacks.
When his trial began in 2009, Kasab at first appeared relaxed, joking or smiling at lawyers and reporters.
But he seemed increasingly sullen, withdrawn and even asleep as the trial progressed, prompting fears for his mental state. He showed no emotion in the dock when the verdict was handed down.
Kasab appealed in the Supreme Court, claiming he did not receive a fair trial but his petition was struck down in August.
During his appeal, Kasab argued that he was denied proper legal representation and that some charges against him were not proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
“I was denied a fair trial,” Kasab said in a statement when his appeal hearing began in January. “I may be guilty of killing people and carrying out a terrorist act but I am not guilty of waging war against the state.”
Pakistan informed about Kasab hanging: India
India’s government said it informed Islamabad in advance of the decision to hang Kasab, but their Pakistani counterparts refused to accept the letter.
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters in New Delhi he had even ended up sending a fax to Islamabad after the letter was rebuffed. Other officials said a similar message had been couriered to Kasab’s family.
“The external affairs ministry gave the letter to Pakistan but Pakistan did not accept it. Then we faxed the letter,” Shinde said.
The 25-year-old Kasab, from the village of Faridkot in the Punjab region, was hanged at Yerwada jail in the Indian city of Pune after President Pranab Mukherjee rejected his pleas for mercy earlier this month.
India’s Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said the government had followed diplomatic protocol by informing Pakistan in advance about the execution.
“We attempted to convey to the Pakistan foreign office that this decision had been taken and the execution will be done this morning,” Khurshid said.
“Since those missives were not accepted by the foreign office, by fax we indicated the information to them.”
Prithviraj Chavan, the local state chief minister, said Kasab had been buried inside Yerwada jail while Indian Home Secretary R. K. Singh said his family had been kept informed.
In a statement carried by Pakistan’s state PTV channel, foreign ministry spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan was quoted as saying that “the Indian deputy high commissioner informed us about the execution” of Kasab.
“Pakistan’s stance is very clear. Pakistan condemns all forms of terrorism,” he added. “Pakistan is cooperating with the international community.”
He was just a bullet which hit some targets, but who was the one who aimed at the targets and pulled the trigger are more dangerous as they can get more bullets like kasab. But for me taking someones life for someone is not justified. Since you didn’t give life how can u take life.That doesn’t mean I justify Kasab. He should be kept in the jail in solitary confinement and should be given only pictures of the people who died in his brutal attack.This will make him repent and ask forgiveness to all the victims family and to God.If Death Sentences can reduce crime why is it the number of crime such as murder and rape are increasing.
A thought rarely accepted in this world but is the best one.Maximum people mentality is to take revenge.But as a society our action must above the individual person.
It takes serious money to guard and keep alive a terrorist like Kasab. India can’t afford it. Money can be better spent in rehabilitating victims of Kasab and his masters sheltered in Pakistan.
try telling that to the families of his victims… and see wat they think??
I must say of course after reading the comments here, terrorists are not supported by pakistani mass. Good for subcontinent. Kasab got what he desrved.
The one with thumbs down is a fundamentalist if not a terrorist.
Life is balanced. Kasab’s hanging is the proof. Whatever you do you have to return in this very life. But still the mastermind / s are free. They also have to pay what they did with kasab and others, directly or indirectly. clock is ticking and god is counting.
Kasab should have been hanged the very same day when our Indian Supreme Court ordered for his execution. Now rock Indian and be united
At least Indian government proved that there is rule of law in India. It was a very befitting response that this suspect was given ample opportunity to prove his innocence.
There are several Kasabs still existing in pakistan and many future victims in India, and tomorrow the ball game may change there may kasabs in India and lot of innocent victims in pakistan. Killing one kasab wont end the tale of these two countries…The only way is to end poverty and bring good and effective leadership.
After observing few indian and Pakistani news papers, I can see two views
1. Pakistani View: Good that Kasab has been killed (Accepted the killing as a good deed) which discourages terrorism. Few people can’t digest it. So they blame India about Sarabjit and some even deny Kasab is a Pakistani.
2. Indian View: Why so much delay in hanging him? What about Afzal Guru ? What India will do to catch Hafiz Saeed ? Timing is only to take credit before people out cry on 26th Nov.
As an indian and with few interactions with Pakistanis in the UK, I am happy with the current move of India and happy that Pakistanis are also condemning the acts of terrorists.
All Terrorists must face the same treatment whether in Pakistan or India. The world is for peace. No religion teaches terrorism it is few dirty minded individual who enjoys killing innocent people. Such people must be hanged in public view. All Pakistanis should expose terror minds living in Pakistan soil.
Well, but When Samjoda Express Train culprits will be hanged, where Ex – indian army official involved. who kill innocent people. lets see……..
Well said,,,,,brother
If the charges are proved correctly against the prosecuted persons. We would like to see why they do not meet the same fate as Kasab..Killing innocent persons anywhere in world is just NOT teaching in any religion..
Please wake up and make your religeosly blind mind open. and educate urself raza,
Evil is evil
Killing Innocent in the name of God – is the biggest Brain Wash Strategies Jihadis have, Alas when the Justice day will come – we know who will remain with God and who will burn in the fire of hell. Repent and Obey.
superb brother. keep it up
Agreed!!!
A Terrorist is a Terrorist, he is NOT a Pakistani or Indian! Killing Innocent people in the name of ANY CAUSE is NOT justified anywhere in the world or in any religion!
Where has there ever been an Indian Terrorist, especially with respect to Pakistan?
This is sad and tragic, to be very honest! Kasab, was just a misguided young boy who never got an opportunity to have education, never got an opportunity to live life with dignity. Worst is, the country, the land, the people he fought and died for, didn’t even acknolwedge his being, didn’t mourn his death and didn’t even bother to give him a burial. Instead, the land he waged the war against, gave him a place to rest in peace, forever! I am proud of my country, I am proud of India, at least we’re human!
Why don’t you express that to the families of the innocent people he and his fellow terrorists killed that day ???? stop feeling pity for this monster and start to look at yourself !!
“..gave him a place to rest in peace”.. by hanging him? Thats surely not “human”. Perhaps a life sentence would be more human.
Ali, Kasab was not killed in cold blood, but law took its natural course! I am sure you will agree on the fact that there’s a huge difference between the two.
Also, no matter how bitter it may sound but believe me, death to Kasab is a huge relief for this man who died a thousand deaths every single day carrying the guilt of the crime he had executed. At least, now he knows it’s all between him and God! Now no man can use or abuse him!
Very well written Divya..Very valid point..Couldn’t agree with you more..
What is sad and tragic Divya… there are many in this world who never got an opportunity to have education, never got an opportunity to live life with dignity but they do not go about killing innocent. Imagine the plight of 200 families who suffered because of this killer.
yes, life sentence would have been good choice. besides….living a prisoners life till death is more terrifying than being kiled instantly by just hanging
Yes. I agree that death sentence will not stop people from committing such crimes in future.But who will spend money for his security in jail? Indian tax payers? What is guarantee that an incident like hijack can be planned by those terrorist organizations for his release just like what has happened in 1999 in the case of Masood Azhar? Atleast, kasab was given trail under indian judicial system (no system is perfect.Ofcourse, you are free to raise concerns on indian judicial system),Unlike Pakistan, where a mad man charged for blasphemy is beaten to death even before he entered court room.
is killing 166 people human Ali
I am proud to be a Pakistani too, kasab’s action was wrong, he was involved with killing of innocent people justice has been made, as for as Pakistan is concern it has nothing to do with us, Pakistani people are not proud of what happened in Mumbai, nor we celebrated but mourn.
Indian pople are not innocent
Innocent of what?
Well said Divya, I agree with each and every word you wrote. I wish we could live like Europeans with no borders but only united and prosper inspite of bad history.
Your enlightened thinking my friend is way ahead of its time.
Europeans and united what a joke
One can not praise the life of Rawan
The mastermind behind this Mumbai attack are still at large & escaping justice, as long these culprits are not convicted,The Justice Is Not Served. Ajmal was an unemployed rural youth ,lured & brain washed for this mission , a meagure pawn ! I am still not happy
Now that he is gone, we will never know the true story behind it and that who were the actual culprits, who are still alive and happy.
Everyone except pakistani authorities know in detail who he was, who sent him and why he was sent. The only reason pakistani’s dont know is because they have always been living in a state of denial.
Hi Jamshed,
keep living in the world of denial and you are already seeing the seeds growing into saplings that are unrooting the Pakistan’s normal life day in and day out. God Save you guys!!
The Pakistani govt closes its eyes and ears and every proof given is dismissed as inadequate. Naturally, the true story is known only to Pakistanis, who are out to suppress every bit of information related to Kasab and other terrorists who were killed. Where is Kasab’s family now? Was it not removed from their native place to escape the prying eyes of the world media? Did it really refuse to receive his body? What happened to the families of the other Pakistani terrorists? Does Mr Jamshed Khan know answers for these questions? Let him understand that the actual culprits who are still alive and laughing in their sleeves are the same people who are responsible for ‘forced disappearances’ of people in Pakistan.
your death will not bring back the lives of the 166 people you and your fellow jihadis took. It will probably not stop your masters from unleashing more of your clones to kill people in the name of religion. But , it will bring some closure to the families of the victims. The world is a better place without you, Ajmal Kasab.
iconic think…god bless u
There were actually 176 victims of 26/11. 166 Mumbaikars and 10 terrorists. Yes, we must see these 10 guys as victims. Otherwise we will keep taking revenge in the name of justice and the cycle of violence will never end.
As you sow, so shall you reap. He got what he deserved. Killing of innocent people can not be justified irrespective of their religion, nationality ,race etc.
People would love to hear something from Hafiz Saeed Sahib and JI leadership and all others who support openly or with minced words these acts of terrorism. What about hundreds in our own jails who are waiting on similar charges?
He got what he deserved.If you kill innocents you have no right to live
Nice to know that he has been bumped off …but a tad too late..people have almost forgotten about him. The Hindu speed of execution is just not good enough..should have hanged him years back.
This is a small step in right direction. Hafiz Saeed and his cohorts are still running free. They should be brought to justice, and they should meet the same fate as Kasab.
Absolutely. Good riddance of one, lets catch others.
Justice delivered and with all due opportunities given to the culprit to defend himself. time for others to get punished as well.
Dude how do you know it was Hafiz Saeed? I think Shiv Sena was behind this guy. Without proof, your statement is as worthy as mine. Thank you.
Dude, ur always right everything in pak is fine , All wrong is done by india n USA
hasan the ostrich..
dear me, our goverment have been told so many times that niether he is a pakistani nor he trained in pakistan. I wanna tell you that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) jihad organisation is a indians held kashmirs organisation not a pakistani.
pakisatni govt accpeted that he is a pakistani, and identified his house and family members
Yes, Pakistani government accepted that he is a Pakistani.
Confirmation from a Pakistani here!
dost we need like you people to make both country happy..God bless you.
Well said, Zeeshan
This reply is similar to cat drinking stolen milk with closed eyes thinking no one is watching. Wake up before this myth destroys you.
Is it your ignorance or lie. or you you just do not want to accept responsibility. May be you are ashamed to accept.
this is complete ignorance.
It is really amazaing that Pakistani newspaper is being read by so many indians.
No matter what! Pakistan and its citizens are admired by the world.
Thank you Dawn for your efforts and success,
At least we are doing justice to the english media. We can read and understand. Thank us or they will have to stop the newspaper press… lol
All Indian newspaper websites like rediff, timesofindia, ndtv all are equally frequented by Pakistanis…….don’t believe me? – just go an read any Pakistan related news and see Pakistani’s comment on the same. I believe its a healthy exchange – and an oppurtunity to know each other better. Only knowing whats happening in each others countries can bring us closer.
Dear, we have no problem with common pakistani, it is your establishment which needs to look at anti india thought.
Its a simple fact that pretty soon there will be more Internet users in India than the entire population of Pakistan.
Indians like me read US, UK and Chinese newspapers even. Just check WSJ for example. Even if 100 Indians read and comment here, that will look like a lot, but is actually very very less as a percentage, when you consider millions and millions of Internet users in India.
mr ali u r living in fools paradise u should visit other countries to know how much pakistanis are liked and admired by them . in fact many pakistani restaurant owner in south africa has to disguise themselves as indian hoteliers. what a great admiration. this is repeated every where. so pls wake up and do some soul searcing
Bal Thackeray and Ajmal Kasab, both terrorists… enjoying hell now.
100% true. Hell is waiting for Hafiz Saeed too.
Sam , i agree with you
faiz Pakistani
damn true sam reddy… maximum likes for ur post
This is really amazing that Pakistan newspaper is read by so many indians!
No matter what! Pakistan and its citizens rocks. Pakistan Zindabad.
I trust and admire Dawn. One of very few good things about Pakistan
Its because Dawn is a better paper than TOI. Also, a lot of Pakistanis read TOI and comment, albeit under Indian names. Dawn is one of the few good things about Pak.
Admiration is only admiration if comments are not block. Let people speak freely. Freedom of speech and expression is the fundamental right
At least stay under the illusion that pakistanis are admired and build your self confidence morale and thus the nation. All the best.
Its not because of the quality of Dawn. Once I came to know about Kasab’s news, I was anxious to know what would Pakistani Newspapers display out there(Whether they would write neutral or backing Kasab). Nice to read, the editor of Dawn had written as it is without any partiality towards Kasab and Pakistan Government. Also I appreciate the people in Pakistan who think in a good way. I have few Pakistani friends. They are sad of present condition in Pakistan. To all Indian friends, “Please don’t think all Pakstanis are terrorist and bad”.
You are anxious to know what Dawn has written about Kasab. Kasab is recognized by Dawn as “GUNMAN” and not as a “Terrorist”. Why he is not recognized as terrorist when in fact he is actually a terrorist?
MR ALI
there is no doubt that DAWN is read by many Indians! It is because its truly secular and independent newspaper. I wish that u should also read more of it s u can develop upright thinking and so will not be victim of false pride. and will be able to see things rationally as DAWN does.
the answer is simple, Literacy rate !
I am an Indian. Whenever there is any internationally reported Indo-Pak news, I have been coming here since about 10 years (I think) to check if there is another side to the story and also to get a occasional, basic understanding of general Pakistani affairs from an educated liberal point of view, rather than an angry Islamist point of view that gets played up by media. The commenters (Indian & Pakistani) are also mostly level-headed in the forums rather than the juvenile name-callers I find elsewhere. Dawn reporting and community is every bit as good as reputable Indian and US papers. If the wounds between our two countries are to heal, free press like this is critical.
Kasab was just a kid; a trigger puller, who came from a poor family, was indoctrinated with fanaticism and what he did, for him, was fully logical and a way to heaven. Now that he is dead, the justice does not end for Mumbai victims. In fact WE NEED ANSWERS AND JUSTICE FOR KASAB. Those masterminds, wherever they are, should be the ones who go to the noose.
Well said Dr. that will really bring sense of closure to the victims and citizens of India.
What you are saying is logical, but when kassab realized what he had done, he had all opportunities to reveal the names. That would have been real atonement for his sin and work for humanity
Yes, Dawn is even way better than the Hindu newspaper.
Kasab is just a 25 year old who lost his future to the fanatic mind of Hafeez Saeed. It is sad that he was misguided…I do not think this is the homage to the victims, it is sad to see an young life destroyed by fanatics. I wonder what Hafeez Saaed has to say??? Punishing Hafeez is the real homage to the victims in Pakistan and India…remember he misguided and was indirectly responsible for all the lives.
No big deal. Ajmal Kasab came to India to die…and he finally has. True justice will be done when the real perpetrators of 26/11 are hanged.
Now when Ajmal Kasab is executed, India has no right to request mercy for Sarbjit Singh. Both Kasab and Singh committed the same crime of killing innocent people.Pakistan should take stand on it.
Sarabjit and Ajmal can not be compared at all. Firstly, Sarabjit is neither a terrorist nor an intelligence agent, I think if Pakistan frees Sarabjit, then it will be a gesture of change in Pakistan’s attitude towards India.
ajmal kasab was a terrorist, and many cameras caught him red handed while he was doing the job assigned to him by his masters sitting in pakistan. He not only accepted what he did but also showed no remorse whatsoever. On the other hand, anything has not been proven about sarabhjit. So, there is no comparison between them. if the allegations on sarabhjit are true, and can be proved so,then surely pakistan govt. has full rights to punish him. But he shouldnt be punished as a revenge to kasab
indian cameras and indian evidence is not to be trusted. Sarabjit will be dealt with according to Pakistan laws and not as per India’s whims and fancies.
@JAMSHED: So u believe that ajmal kasab was innocent and indian media and indian cameras just framed him??? u know people like you bring shame to their community, country and religion
I am sure Sarbajit Singh is as guilty as Ajmal Kasab was. He should be hanged immediately.
it doesnt matter whether u are sure or not. what matters is does pak govt, have any proof against him.
Waseem has a just argument, why just thumbs down on his comments? Better answer, but I see many Hindus on this forum today, may be that is the reason.
@Baloch
Does you guys have anything else on your mind other than Religion ?
Religion is the way of worship not the way to address …. get your facts correct.. I see a lot of comments addressing with religion… Even lot of articles.. Something seriously wrong with psychology of people…
i am sorry but u seem to be biased on the basis of religion. I am not sure how Sarabjit was captured and what he did but if he is guilty then he should be punished. By the way the whole world saw Kasab firing at scores of innocent people. He got what he deserved as per the rule of law. I personally am against the capital punishment. Its sad that we breed killers amongst us and then we kill the killers! We glorify the people who are murderers as martyrs and saints. If we put the same amount of effort in making life better as we put in plotting attacks on each others lives and property then we could have made even the moon habitable by now.
Indians have two parallel rules for humanity. One for themselves and one for others. Kasaab should have executed and it has and so the sarabjit.
That Speaks Volumn about u r approach..why Hindus and not Indians….that means Pakistani hindus are by default traiters for you…
Who are you Baloch? Map your history – 200 years back, even your ancestors were Hindu. You also have Hindu blood running in your veins. Simply by changing names and admonishing your earlier faith doesn’t make you a different man.
why Pakistan should give gesture of attitude change???? we are not demanding for release of Ajmal Kasaab but isn’t hanging kasaab is human rights violation as criminal hanging in Pakistan is a human right violation.
Human Rights? I can see what Pakistani rangers do to the Pakistani civilians. Look at your own backyard.
religion views by indians and youth, you guys just watch bollywood movie OMG (oh my god).
Baloch…is there any ANY solid proof about Sabarjit??
Just becase (2 + 2) = 4 you cannot now claim why your (2 + x) also not = 4.
Shame on you Baloch. Dont bring religion everywhere.
waseem every pakistani like you knows that kasab was a pakistani but your govt has to admit yet.
Your knowledge is week. Sarbjit Singh is Indian and Kasab is Pakistani.
Waseem, I am glad at least you accept, indirectly, that Ajmal Kasab was a Pakistani. Good for standing up for a fellow countryman !!
If I am not wrong Sarabjeet has already spent 22 years or more in jail, also his hanging has been waived off by the Pakistan president. Hence as per law itself once pardoned, how could anybody speak of again hanging a person. Therefore the comparison is totally uncalled for.
Why was Kasab hanged after four years of torture in Indian jails? You also could have kept him for 22 years and pardoned him! These Indian double standards won’t suffice for saving Sarabjit if he has been proven guilty of terrorism. Pakistan should also do what it takes and inform India as India did in Kasab’s case. You feel only Hindus killed is criminal, otherwise all other communities are to be killed. Will not work.
You call it torture…We spent 50 Crore INR on him because if in case he was innocent, he could prove it and the authorities in India also protected him from the wrath of Indians (Hindus and Muslims alike..Muslim cemeteries labeled him as a Non-Muslim and hence denied his burial on their grounds)..Yet you call it a torture ..He was provided highest security..
Absolute case of brainwash!! Do you think all indians are hindus? Did kasab inquired about the faith of each individual he encountered in mumbai and choose his victims ? Do you think the muslim victim families in india are willing to let him free?(ofcourse, the faith of the victim doesn’t matter here). Can’t Pakistan execute a fair trail on sarabjit and make a decision on its own as per its judicial system? Why do we need to link kasab’s case with sarabjits case. lol..your idea of dealing with convicts in india and pakistan sounds like some cultural exchange program. Atleast, there is a stand on sarabjit’s case. Pakistan owns kasab one day and disowns him next day. No wonder,you are confused on so many things.
Kasab was caught on camera walking around with a gun and shooting people. There is no doubt about his involvement in the Mumbai attacks. On the other hand there is no such evidence(photographic, dna etc) linking Sarabjit to the bombings. Sarabjit Singh was also not provided proper representation(his lawyer failed to show up during his supreme court appeal!!!, no translator) and the prosecution used questionable evidence(No identity parade. It seems the police just brought him in and said this is the culprit.) So, no you cannot really call them the same thing. And Pakistanis must think really hard if they are prepared to take the life of another person under these circumstances.
yaar waseem hum to sarabjeet ko apna kehte hai. pak ne to kassab ko pehchanne se hi inkaar kar diya tha . yaar logic se baat kiya karo .
Pakistan needed concrete evidence that kasab was Pakistani, once that cleared we accepted that he is Pakistani, we never rejected him being Pakistani…..
The true justice will be given to the victims of 26/11 when Hafeez saeed and his other mates and masterminds in pakistan will get punished.
I ask all the parents in Pakistan, please watch your children, explain the consequences of terrorism in the world. Don’t let your children caught in the hands of the terrorist organisations in Pakistan. Allah will is there to punish the culprits.
Well said Naiker! Precaution is better than the cure.
you need to give this piece of advice to parents all around the world especialy in the west because that is where childrenfind two extremes interms of the culture and one that they are socialised in hence the confusion which transalates into indoctorination.
no need to tell pakistanis, you punished amar singh now made him a drama for your ego.
I am pleased to see some positive comments frommy Pakistani Brothers. Terrorisum and War is not a solution for anything. I am working in Middle East country and I have few Pakistani freinds. We are Working together and there is no difference between us. I belive that 98% Pakistani people are good.But some of them are mislead and have wrong concepts about India. Same is true for Indians. Hopefully both conutries work together to get better life.
yes my friend me bhi indian hoon aur is waqat saudi arab me hoon yahan bhi jo educated pakistani hai onho ne positive respone diya hai. sahi ko sahi mana hai
But problem is otherwise. Even parents think in this way only.
They support these terrorist organisations. Last to trust unfortunately.