26/11: Pak panel to cross examine 2 key Indian witnesses

The deposition of two key Indian witnesses in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case before an eight-member Pakistani Judicial Commission is underway in a local court today amidst tight security.

The Commission is here to cross examine Indian witnesses in order to carry forward prosecution of seven LeT suspects, including Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi held in Pakistan for their role in 26/11 terror attacks.

Two doctors, who had conducted the post-mortem of 9 Pakistani terrorists killed by armed forces in the 26/11 terror attacks, had yesterday deposed in the court giving their account of the autopsy reports. However, they were not cross-examined by the panel.

The evidence of the two Indian witnesses is being recorded by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate P Y Ladekar.

The witnesses are Magistrate R V Sawant-Waghule, who had recorded the confession of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and Investigating officer Ramesh Mahale. These witnesses are likely to be cross examined by the panel members today, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who represents the Indian government, told PTI.

This is the second visit of the Commission. During its first visit in March 2013, the panel had examined the same four witnesses. However, cross examination was not allowed by India.

A Pakistani court refused to accept evidence as cross examination was not allowed. Subsequently, India and Pakistan agreed to allow cross examination of the witnesses.