Kasab's hanging sends strong message to terrorists: Nikam

The execution of Ajmal Kasab has sent a loud message to all terror organisations that those indulging in such acts will meet the same fate, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who had tried him in a special court in the 26/11 case, today said.

"Kasab was given a fair trial. The country has emerged victorious....By hanging him we have paid homage to all those policemen and innocent victims who lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai terror operation by LeT," Nikam told PTI.

"By Kasab's conviction and death penalty, we have proved how the entire conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan. We have set an example that India will not tolerate such attacks and the accused will be brought to justice," Nikam said.

"The execution of Kasab is the most important phase of my life. Although the 26/11 trial was a legal battle, but through this I was closely connected with every Indian. I got a feeling during the trial that I was a warrior, soldier and a captain heading the Indian team against enemy," he said.

Asked how he found Kasab as a person, Nikam replied, "He was very shrewd and intelligent. I have not seen such a criminal in my entire 30-year career as a lawyer and public prosecutor.

"After his arrest, Kasab was exposed by Pakistan's Geo TV, which said he was a Pakistani national and showed his village in the neighbouring country from where he hailed. But in the court, Kasab gave a statement alleging that Geo TV was an agent of Indian intelligence agency RAW.

"This showed how much crooked Kasab was," said Nikam.
An inference can also be drawn from this that terrorists were taught by LeT not to expose the identity of Pakistan in any place, he said.