Nikam receives plaudits for Kasab's confession

"He (Nikam) is our real hero," a woman police inspector said saluting Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam yesterday as he stepped out of court after submitting statements on Kasab's guilt plea.

"It is only because of your tough stand that Kasab broke down and admitted his guilt," the inspector said.

The prosecutor was pleasantly surprised to hear the police officer and said, "Thank you for your kind words."

As he acknowledged the gratitude, Nikam received a call on his cell phone from a bus conductor saying, "Nikam sahab you are a 'deshbhakt' (patriot). We need you."

The prosecutor while thanking him, asked how he got his number to which the conductor replied, "Sir I am your friend and managed to get your number from some persons."

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Youth Association (MYA) has demanded the Centre to confer Padma Shree award on Nikam for his dedicated services to the nation.

In an open letter to President Pratibha Patil, MYA president Pradeep Bhavnani said, "It is only because of Nikam's legal acumen in the court that has brought a logical end to the case with Kasab's admission of guilt."