Judge keeps in mind Kandahar hijacking case to hang Kasab

MUMBAI: One of the reasons cited by the 26/11 special court to award death penalty on Ajmal Kasab for his role in terror attacks was that keeping him alive would be a lingering danger to India keeping in mind the 1999 Kandahar plane hijacking case.

"Keeping Kasab alive would be a constant and lingering danger to the society and Indian government," Judge M L Tahilayani said and cited the December 1999 Kandahar plane hijack case in which three dreaded terrorists were released by India to rescue the passengers of the flight.

"If Kasab is kept alive, then this situation may occur again," the judge said adding the recent trend of terrorism is evolving.

The court also said the probability of Kasab reforming was ruled out considering the barbaric manner in which he has behaved.

Kasab was awarded the death penalty on five counts of murder, abetment to murder, conspiracy, waging war against India and committing terror acts.

He was further sentenced to life imprisonment on five counts of attempt to murder, conspiracy to wage war, collecting arms to wage war, kidnapping with an intention to murder and causing explosion to endanger life.