MUMBAI: Two police officers deposing as witnesses in the 26/11 trial identified in court the terror weapon-an AK-47 rifle used by Pakistan gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab-and recounted how the police had overpowered the two terrorists near Girgaum Chowpatty as they tried to make a getaway on the night of the attack. One of them said he wanted to kill Kasab but his bullet could have hit the other policemen grappling with the terrorist.
Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam examined Hemant Boudhankar and Sanjay Govilkar, both assistant police inspectors. Boudhankar said he had fired a shot from his revolver at Abu Ismail (the dead terrorist) and how assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale and other cops managed to overpower Kasab with just sticks as weapons.
When Ombale's name was mentioned, Kasab smiled, following which trial judge M L Tahaliyani said sternly, "Despite yesterday's warning, you have not improved. Why do you smile?" he asked. Kasab then stood up and replied, "Mere dil mein koi baat nahi hain (I have no malice)."
At one point, Kasab's defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi objected to the judge asking questions during the witness deposition. Nikam, however, said the judge cannot be a "mute spectator" while presiding over a trial.
Later, Kazmi asked Boudhankar why he did not fire at Kasab. The policeman said that as Ombale was in a scuffle with Kasab, he did not open fire as the bullet could have hit the cop. Govilkar was also shot at by Ajmal and suffered an injury on his waist.
s.deshpande@timesgroup.com
Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam examined Hemant Boudhankar and Sanjay Govilkar, both assistant police inspectors. Boudhankar said he had fired a shot from his revolver at Abu Ismail (the dead terrorist) and how assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale and other cops managed to overpower Kasab with just sticks as weapons.
When Ombale's name was mentioned, Kasab smiled, following which trial judge M L Tahaliyani said sternly, "Despite yesterday's warning, you have not improved. Why do you smile?" he asked. Kasab then stood up and replied, "Mere dil mein koi baat nahi hain (I have no malice)."
At one point, Kasab's defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi objected to the judge asking questions during the witness deposition. Nikam, however, said the judge cannot be a "mute spectator" while presiding over a trial.
Later, Kazmi asked Boudhankar why he did not fire at Kasab. The policeman said that as Ombale was in a scuffle with Kasab, he did not open fire as the bullet could have hit the cop. Govilkar was also shot at by Ajmal and suffered an injury on his waist.
s.deshpande@timesgroup.com
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