Mumbai railway strike delays verdict on Ajmal Kasab's sentence

The hunger strike by motormen of Mumbai's suburban trains had an impact on the proceedings of the 26/11 court as well as the judge today announced that he was deferring the pronouncement of sentence as his staff had not reported for duty.

Soon after the arguments by prosecution and defence on sentence to be awarded to Kasab concluded in the court, judge ML Tahaliyani said the verdict running into 1,522 pages, was nearly ready but could not be delivered today as most of his staff did not turn up due to irregularity in train services.

The judge told prosecutors and defence lawyers he would pronounce the sentence on Thursday, by which time, he said the verdict would be completely ready.

Kasab has been convicted for mass massacre in the 26/11 terror attacks. While prosecution sought death penalty for him today, his lawyer asked for lifer saying he was blinded by religion and should be given a chance to reform.