The government is likely to grant access to a Pakistani commission to visit India and question the magistrate and investigating officer who recorded 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab’s confession in Mumbai. The Centre is expected to send its reply to Pakistan by Monday evening.
In its 13th dossier handed to India on Friday, Pakistan had sought the inquest reports of all 166 who had died in the attack. The home ministry, however, feels this is a delaying tactic and an attempt by Pakistan to pre-empt any direct reference to its role during US President Barack Obama’s ongoing visit to India. A senior official said the new move by Pakistan was an attempt “to show the US they are cooperating with India”. Mr Obama, prior to his visit, had urged Pakistan to expedite its trial of those accused of plotting the 26/11 attack.
“There should be no problem in allowing the Pakistani commission to visit India and question the magistrate and IO who recorded Kasab’s confession,” a senior government official told this newspaper.
Pakistan had said the statements of Mumbai additional chief metropolitan magistrate R.V. Sawant Wahgule and chief investigation officer Ramesh Mahale was essential to facilitate the trial of seven Pakistani suspects.