Did minister tell Kasab to confess?

MUMBAI: A possible reason for Pakistani gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab���s confession could be a secret meeting a senior Maharashtra minister had with him. Interestingly, Kasab wasn���t apprised of the identity or office of the minister.

A few months ago, in a meeting with Kasab, the minister had told the terrorist that it was futile to fight the case. A senior police officer said that the minister told Kasab, ������Your nation (Pakistan) has disowned you and your family. They (Pakistan) have also shunted out your parents to an unknown location. So what���s the point in fighting the case? It���s better you confess.������

������Pakistanwale aisa nahi kar sakthe (Pakistan cannot do such a thing),������ was Kasab���s reported reply to the minister.

When asked why he became involved in terrorism, Kasab replied, ������Our leaders in Pakistan kept telling us that Indians are responsible for the blasts in our country and that we have to take revenge.������