Anjali Waghmare gets high security for defending Kasab

Mumbai: Advocate Anjali Waghmare Wednesday agreed to defend Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir alias Kasab, accused of the Mumbai terror attacks, after she was provided high security. Waghmare Tuesday said she was reconsidering taking the sensational case after the Shiv Sena staged a protest outside her Worli residence against her move to defend Kasab. Waghmare Wednesday informed Special Judge M.L. Tahilyani that she was prepared to take up Kasab's case. "I am ready and have no problems in continuing with the case," she told the court. The trial in the Mumbai terror attacks is due to begin here next Monday. Judge Tahilyani ordered that Waghmare be provided with "adequate security" by the state police. The judge, who had appointed another lawyer K.P. Pawar for the case, asked him whether he was also ready to fight the case. Following Pawar's consent, the judge said the duo would be provided with another junior lawyer to assist them in the case, as per the provisions of the law. Anjali and Pawar - both empanelled on the Maharashtra Legal Aid Committee - were appointed as government lawyers by Tahilyani Monday for the Kasab trial. In a related development, Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam said, "It was wrong to protest against the lawyer" who would represent one of the main accused in the Mumbai terror attacks trial. Nikam told journalists that as per the Indian legal system the case of each accused can be pleaded with legal assistance and every accused has a right to defend himself. "Such behaviour (protests by Shiv Sena) could be a contempt of the honourable court," Nikam said. Tuesday morning, a shaken Anjali called on the Mumbai Police top brass and informed them about the vehement protests outside her Worli residence by the Shiv Sena. The Worli police later nabbed nine Shiv Sena activists for intimidating and demonstrating outside Anjali's residence while Chaudhary was named as the "wanted" man. Chaudhary led a mob of over 500 at Anjali's Worli residence late Monday night, raising anti-Anjali slogans and demanding that she should not take up Kasab's case. The incident occurred near the Worli police camp where Anjali lives with her police officer husband Ramesh Waghmare. Anjali and K.P. Pawar - both empanelled on the Maharashtra Legal Aid Committee - were appointed as government lawyers for Kasab by Special Judge M.L. Tahilyani Monday. Despite repeated attempts, Anjali remained incommunicado for her comments. Anjali said Monday she took up the assignment as she felt very "disturbed and concerned" at the delay in such an important trial. "I was feeling very disturbed and concerned that such an important trial is held up for so long only because the accused has nobody to defend him. This is the sole reason I offered my services on behalf of the Legal Aid Committee," she told News24live team