India - Mumbai attacks

Judge adjourns Mumbai attacks trial

Article published on the 2009-07-21 Latest update 2009-07-21 17:43 TU

Paramilitary troops patrol a residential area Monday around Arthur Road Jail, where Mohammad Ajmal Kasab is being held.
(Photo: Reuters)

The Mumbai attacks trial has been adjourned to allow the prosecution more time to respond to the defendant's dramatic confession that he was involved.

Judge M.L. Tahaliyani said prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam had until Wednesday to prepare his response, after Mohammed Ajmal Kasab admitted that he was one of the gunmen in last year's attacks.

"If his plea is to be accepted, then what should be the next stage? Does his plea cover all the charges levelled against him?" the judge told Nikam.

Pakistani national Kasab, 21, originally pleaded not guilty to 86 charges connected to last November's attacks, which saw 10 Islamist gunmen kill 166 people and injure more than 300 in a 60-hour reign of terror.

But he stood up in the special prison court on Monday and admitted his involvement, before detailing how the attacks happened and the group's journey from Pakistan.

Kasab faces the death penalty if convicted.