Court to frame charges against Kasab on Wednesday

Mumbai, May 5 (ANI): A trial court on Tuesday obtained sanctions from the Centre and the Maharashtra Government to prosecute prime accused in Mumbai terror attack case Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab and two others.

The court on Wednesday will frame charges against Kasab, Faheem Ansari, Sabauddin Ahmed, and 35 others accused believed to be in Pakistan.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam on Tuesday filed "sanctions" that pertain to offences such as waging war against the nation, violation of Customs Act (by illegally bringing firearms to India), infringement of Explosives Act and Explosives Substances Act (using explosives) and Arms Act (opening fire with sophisticated weapons.

The Judge M L Tahaliyani accepted the "sanctions" and said the court would frame charges against the trio after considering the material against them.

Nikam informed the court that the prosecution had obtained sanction from the Customs Department to prosecute Kasab under Customs Act.

Kasab and his Pakistani associates had brought arms illegally to India to strike terror in Mumbai, the prosecutor said.

Union Government has also given sanction to prosecute Kasab and others under IPC for "waging war against the nation".

If found guilty, the accused may face punishment ranging from death sentence to life imprisonment and fine. (ANI)