Trial judge in Mumbai terror attacks case named

M.L. Tahiliyani has been appointed Special Judge to conduct the trial in the November 26 terror attacks in the metropolis in which over 180 persons were killed.

Tahiliyani will preside over the trial of Mohammed Ajmal Amir, a Pakistani national and the lone arrested terrorist in the group of ten who carried out the attack, in 12 cases registered against them, city Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor said last night.

Tahiliyani, a former CBI court judge, is currently Registrar (Inspection) at the Bombay High Court.

Ujjwal Nikam, who was the state counsel in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, has already been appointed Public Prosecutor in the case.

Police are expected to file a chargesheet before January 24. Ajmal, whose Pakistani identity has been acknowledged by Islamabad, will face charges ranging from murder, attempt to murder and waging a war against the country, officials said.

The chargesheet will cover mainly Ajmal's conversation with his handlers in Pakistan, his interrogation report besides eyewitnesses who saw him spraying bullets on the night of November 26.

Police have decided to club all the 12 cases filed on the intervening night of November 26-27.

Sources in Maharashtra government have said the trial is likely to be held inside the high-security Arthur Road jail, where the trial and sentencing of nearly 100 accused took place in the 1993 blasts.