Lawyer: Sorry, I will withdraw from Qasab case

Last night, under high drama, Shiv Sainiks forced Anjali Waghmare to assure them in writing that she would not defend the 26/11 terrorist

Last night, under high drama, Shiv Sainiks forced Anjali Waghmare to assure them in writing that she would not defend the 26/11 terrorist

The Shiv Sainiks surely know how get their way. After boldly stepping forward to defend 26/11-terrorist

word's worth: Shiv Sainiks barged into Advocate Anjali Waghmare's Worli home last night and forced her to give in writing that she would not defend Qasab. pics/sameer markande

Mohammed Ajmal Qasab yesterday, last night Advocate Anjali Waghmare reluctantly agreed to withdraw from the case.

Furious Shiv Sainiks attacked her house in Worli last night and forced her to give in writing that she would not fight the case. She wrote: I am taking Qasab's vakalatnama back and I am sorry. "I will withdraw from the case, as people do not want me to defend Qasab," said Anjali.

Yesterday, the special court assigned for the trial of the 26/11 case asked Waghmare to defend Qasab, as according to the law no accused can be prosecuted without a fair trial.

At 11.30 pm, local Sena leaders had gathered near her house with their supporters who shouted slogans like 'Waghmare murdabad'. The drama went on till 1.30 am.

While Anjali tired to get police help, the Sena leaders pressurised her to open the door.

The leaders made demands like: "Being the wife of a police officer, how could you accept the vakalatnama? We just want you to withdraw from the case. There are many lawyers in the city that can fight for him."

After over an hour, Waghmare reluctantly complied with their demand. But, all the while she tried to convince the mob that she had taken the step for the betterment of the case. She claimed, "I took this case to help the government proceed with the case."

However, this time, the Sena did not damage any property as they had done earlier when other lawyers had come forward to defend Qasab. Two police vans soon arrived but failed to control the mob. Extra forces were deployed and after the lathi charge, the police cleared the mob.

No complaint

Waghmare did not file any complaint and asked the police not to take any action against the Sainiks.

No arrests
u00a0
After the incident, Home Minister Jayant Patil said, "Waghmare is the wife of a police officer and stays in police quarters. Hence we did not expect the attack. Such acts are a threat to nation.

"We have assured her that she is now given security. However, as she has not registered any case, we have not arrested for the attack."

Waghmare's views before the attack How were you chosen for the case? I am on the legal-aid panel of the session's court and Bombay High court. As a senior and having defended accused of MCOCA, POTA and TADA, the government asked me to take up the case. Why did you opt for the case when other refused? According to the Constitution of India, no accused should be prosecuted without being given adequate opportunity to defend him. Thus, I thought of helping the government to proceed with the case. Do you anticipate any death threat? No, the court has assured me that since I have been assigned as a legal assistant, it is the government's responsibility to give protection.