Kasab's new lawyer Pawar all set to go ahead with trial

"I will undertake to fulfil whatever responsibility that has been entrusted to me with determination and zeal. The court has expressed confidence in me by appointing me as Kasab's lawyer and I shall co-operate and do my best," the 55-year-old lawyer said.

"It has a great feeling and I shall fulfil my duty to the best of my ability. I am thankful to the court for expressing confidence in me," he said.

Pawar, who has replaced Abbas Kazmi as the main defence lawyer, will go through Kasab's brief and inform the court how many more witnesses he would cross examine.

Asked about his defence strategy, Pawar said at this moment he would not disclose because he is getting ready to take over the case.

Pawar has 15 years of experience as a criminal lawyer. He appeared as defence lawyer in 1992 communal riot cases. In one such case, he succeeded in getting acquittal of 40 persons and in another similar case Pawar's efforts resulted in acquittal of 20 others.

Before entering the legal profession, Pawar was a municipal officer. He, however, says working as a lawyer gives him greater job satisfaction.
The trial is about to get over and he may have to cross examine a few witnesses before submitting arguments to defend Kasab.