Kasab may be hanged by year-end, says G K Pillai

New Delhi, May 11 (ANI): Union Home Secretary G K Pillai on Tuesday said the lone surviving Pakistani gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab, who has been awarded death sentence for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, may be hanged by the end of this year provided there is no legal bar.

"If there is no petition from him (Kasab) challenging the sessions court verdict in the higher court, he can be hanged by the year-end," said Pillai.

A Mumbai Special Court on May 6 sentenced Kasab to death on four counts.udge M L Tahaliyani awarded the death sentence for Kasab on charges of-waging war against India, murder, conspiracy to murder, and participating in an act of terror under Unlawful Activity Prevention Act (UAPA). udge Tahaliyani felt that Kasab's crime fell under the judicial definition of "rarest of rare".

Judge Tahiliyani also awarded life term to Kasab on five other counts. He also felt that having Kasab alive could pose perpetual danger to the nation.

Immediately after pronouncement of the death sentence, Judge Tahaliyani sent his order for confirmation to the Bombay High Court.

The death penalty will not be implemented immediately as it has to be confirmed by the High Court.

Kasab has the option of appealing to higher courts, and can also file a mercy petition for the consideration of the President of India.

Kasab along with nine other terrorists, who were killed during the gun battle with security forces in Mumbai have been charged with killing 166 people, including 25 foreigners. (ANI)