SC admits Maha govt's appeal on acquittal Kasab's co-accused

New Delhi, Oct 19: The Supreme Court admitted Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the acquittal of Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed, co-accused of Ajmal Kasab, in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

A bench of justices Aftab Alam and C K Prasad while admitting the appeal said the matter would be tagged along with the appeal filed by Kasab challenging his death penalty.

The apex court had on October 10 stayed Kasab's death sentence. The petition filed through advocate Sanjay Karadia has challenged the February 21 Bombay High Court order upholding their acquittal by the trial court.

The two were acquitted for want of corroborative evidence. The high court had, however, confirmed the conviction and death sentence awarded to the lone surviving Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

The high court had upheld the death sentence of Kasab for the "brutal and diabolical" 26/11 Mumbai attacks aimed at "destabilising" the government.

Kasab's death penalty was upheld on charges of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the nation, IPC section related to murder and under sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Former Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam and Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam will argue the case on behalf of Maharashtra government.

PTI