'Convict Rana, give justice to those killed'

CHICAGO: Observing that those who died in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks demand justice, federal prosecutors have urged the jury of a Chicago court to convict Tahawwur Hussein Rana as there is overwhelming evidence of his involvement.

There were overwhelming evidence of not only him having the knowledge of but also assisting and providing material support to his childhood friend David Coleman Headley in carrying out attack in November 2008 in which more than 160 people including six US nationals were killed, the prosecutors said.

"What happened in Mumbai could have happened in Copenhagen. 164 people died in flurry of bullets (in Mumbai). Such horrific acts take place with help of a number of people... weather you carried a gun or did something helped in the planning or had the knowledge," US attorney Daniel Collins said making final closing argument at a federal Chicago court bringing an end to the fortnight-long Rana's trial.

"Those who died in Mumbai demand justice. You (the jury) will find the truth... this man knew that his trained terrorist friend (David Coleman Headley) was bent on killing people," Collins said urging the 12-member jury in his final arguments in a packed court room.

Not only media persons from various parts of the world, but also government officials, community leaders and Rana's family members were present in the court.

Sitting in the court room, Rana, who has maintained silence throughout the proceedings looked a bit tensed as the trial came to end.