26/11 charge-sheet to be filed soon

The charge-sheet in the November 26 Mumbai terror strikes, which claimed over 180 lives, is likely to be filed within two three days.

"Final touches are being given to the charge-sheet and will be filed within two to three days before the magistrate," said Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam.

The charge-sheet will be filed before a metropolitan magistrate, who will then transfer the case to the special court constituted inside the high-security Arthur Road jail. The special court, presided by Judge M L Tahilyani, has been constituted to conduct the trial against Mohammad Amir Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, he said.

Kasab will face charges ranging from murder, attempt to murder and theft to waging war against the country, official sources said. Apart from the nine terrorists killed in the stand-off with security forces, the charge-sheet may also name Yosuf Muzzamil and Zaki-ur-Rehman, both Lashkar-e-Taiyba members, who allegedly handled the operation from Pakistan.

Their names, if it figures, will be against column two of the chargesheet (those who could not be brought for trial) which will enable the police to seek a non-bailable warrant against them and subsequently an Interpol Red Corner Notice.