1,000-page chargesheet against Qasab is foolproof, says top cop

Pakistani authorities will find it difficult to exploit the 1,000-page chargesheet leveled against 26/11-accused Mohammed Ajmal Qasab, and shrug off responsibility for the attacks, feels Jt CP (crime) Rakesh Maria.

"We know that the chargesheet will be scrutinised by several nations, including Pakistan. We have taken utmost care to ensure it is foolproof when we present it before the court on February 26," said Maria.

Maria's statement yesterday coincided with Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik finally agreeing that some part of the conspiracy did take place in Pakistan.

It took the investigating team three months to collect evidence for the chargesheet, which relies heavily on confessions made by Qasab, the prime accused in the case.

It contains

The chargesheet will begin with an overview of how the 10 LeT cadre involved in the Mumbai attacks were indoctrinated, trained in the use of arms and explosives. It will also describe how the men captured a sea-going vessel and launched a multi-pronged commando attack at the Oberoi, Trident and Taj Mahal hotels and at Nariman House, as well as the ensuing three-day siege.

The chargesheet will also focus on how the terrorists used the ship M V Kuber to reach Mumbai and forensic and ballistic reports that reveal Pakistan is the source of the arms and ammunition seized from the terrorists.
The chargesheet also has voluminous details and an entire gamut of conversations between the terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan during the Mumbai attacks.

All those who died or were injured in the multi-pronged attacks will figure in the chargesheet. Qasab is being charged under various counts of murder, attempt to murder, the Arms act and attack on the nation.