India - Mumbai attacks

Mumbai gunman confesses before Indian court

Article published on the 2009-07-20 Latest update 2009-11-26 07:07 TU

Police stand guard at the shores of Arabian Sea in Mumbai
(Photo: Reuters)

The only surviving gunman from the Mumbai terrorist attacks has pleaded guilty on Monday at a trial before a special prison court in India. Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, 21, a Pakistani national accused by prosecutors of a "heinous criminal conspiracy", narrated how the attacks were carried out and gave details of the attackers’ journey from Pakistan.

A total of 166 people died and more than 300 others were injured when 10 armed gunmen attacked sites across south Mumbai in November last year. Targets included luxury hotels, the city's main railway station, a restaurant and a Jewish centre.

Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told reporters outside the Mumbai court that Kasab had "stood up and informed the court that he was willing to confess." According to local TV news channels Kasab's lawyer, Abbas Kazmi, was unaware that his client was going to confess. But Nikam said that Kasab had realised "the cat was out of the bag" after 134 witnesses gave evidence against him since the trial’s beginning in April.

In the bloodiest episode of the 60-hour massacre Kasab and an accomplice opened fire with AK-47 assault rifles and threw hand grenades at passengers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus rail station. Fifty-two commuters were killed and 109 more injured.

Indian authorities claim that all the attackers were trained, equipped and financed by the Pakistan-based Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The spree ended when Kasab was captured and his nine accomplices were shot dead by police.

Two other men are also on trial -- Indian nationals Fahim Ansari, 35, and Sabauddin Ahmed, 24, who are charged with providing the attackers with logistical support. Kasab faces the death sentence if convicted.