Kasab lawyer wants a day to think it over

Anjali Waghmare, who was supposed to represent Ajmal Amir Kasab, lone arrested for his involvement in 26/11 attacks, has sought a day’s time to decide whether to continue in the case. However, the state government is considering approaching the court to replace her.

Waghmare’s decision comes a day after Shiv Sainiks attacked her home.

She on Tuesday told the special court that she wants to initiate contempt proceedings against the attackers (Shiv Sainiks). “They (Shiv Sainiks) should know that the person whom they are hating (Ajmal Kasab) can go scot free if there is no legal representation. Is this what they want?” an agitated Waghmare told the court.

“I am under lot of pressure. Give me one day time to think over it,” she told the special jude M.L. Tahilyani.

The court has asked the Worli Police to submit a report so that it can decide whether contempt proceedings can be initiated against them.

“What I am doing is as per court’s order and as a mandate of the law,” she said.

Meanwhile, the state home department is considering replacing Waghmare. “I am discussing the issue with home department officials over what to do next. We will have to consider that her (Waghmare’s) husband is a police inspector and she has taken brief for a victim of the terror attack,” State Home Minister Jayant Patil told HT. “We don’t want anyone to raise questions over the trial of the case,”’ a senior home department official said.

The court would take up the case for hearing on Wednesday.