Kasab tactics in trial was to confuse judge: Nikam tells HC

"Kasab changed his stand by first admitting his role and then denying it because he was imparted intelligence training by his LeT bosses in Pakistan," Nikam told a division bench which is hearing confirmation of death sentence awarded to him by the trial court.

Nikam's comments on Kasab was in response to a query by justices Ranjana Desai and R V More as to what stand had Kasab taken when he was confronted with evidence adduced against him.

Nikam said Kasab had confessed before a magistrate that he had struck terror with nine other terrorists from Pakistan by firing at people targeting important places in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. However, in the trial court he denied it, saying his confession was not voluntary.

During the trial, Kasab accepted his guilt in the court saying he had participated in the 26/11 terror attacks. However, he withdrew it later saying he was forced by police to say that, Nikam submitted.

In the guilt plea before trial court, Kasab minimised his role and shifted blame on his deceased partner Abu Ismael by saying he was the leader, Nikam said.

Kasab had told the trial court that he was arrested by RAW prior to the 26/11 terror attacks and alleged that GEO television channel was a RAW agent, Nikam submitted.
To a query why Kasab had said that, Nikam said GEO channel had exposed that Kasab was a Pakistani national and its correspondents had even visited his village at Faridkot in Pakistan to meet his family members and friends.

Nikam, in his arguments, focused on terror attack on Hotel Trident-Oberoi where Kasab's accomplices had used mobile phones of Lisa Ringner and Rita Agarwal to speak to their handlers in Pakistan. While Lisa survived the attack, Rita was shot dead by terrorists.
Nikam said the intercepted telephonic talks between terrorists and their Pakistani handlers was clinching evidence which highlighted the conspiracy to destabilise India and wage war against the country.

Kasab did not attend the court proceedings through video conference today. He is lodged in central prison at Arthur Road here in a special bomb and bullet proof cell.
The Court has adjourned the hearing for a fortnight in view of Diwali holidays from October 1.