Kasab very much alive: Mah Home Minister

Rubbishing reports in a section of Pakistani media that Ajmal Kasab is dead, the Maharashtra government on Friday said the lone terrorist arrested in 26/11 Mumbai attacks is very much alive.

"Kasab is in Mumbai police custody and very much alive," state Home Minister Jayant Patil said. "If any one doubts whether Kasab is alive or not, those from Pakistan Consulate can come and see for themselves that he is alive," he told mediapersons on Friday.

Even the Mumbai police on Friday set to rest speculation in Pakistan media that 26/11 terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab has been killed. "Kasab is safe in our custody," Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor told PTI.

He declined to comment on Pakistani media reports saying "I have not seen or read any reports so I cannot comment on it". He refused to say if Kasab was lodged in crime branch lock-up in Mumbai police headquarters or taken to Arthur Road jail.

Earlier, certain sections of Pakistan media have claimed that "Ajmal Kasab is dead. Whether he was killed immediately after the Mumbai attacks, or recently in custody, was still to be confirmed" by them.

Pakistan media also noted that although "Kasab's custody was extended to February 2 on January 19; he was not brought to court on that occasion."