The Maharashtra government has spent close to Rs 26 crore on the upkeep and safety of 26/11 accused terrorist Ajmal Kasab who is imprisoned at the Arthur Road jail in central Mumbai. The information was revealed by state Home Minister R R Patil in the Legislative Council during a reply on condition of jails,inmates and Kasab raised by Sena MLC Ramdas Kadam. Giving details of expenditure on Kasab since his arrest in 2008,he said Rs 34,975 has been spent on his food,Rs 28,066 on medicines and medical expenditure,Rs 5.25 crore in construction costs towards building bulletproof cell for him,Rs 1.22 core for staff salary and Rs 19.28 crore was charged by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Patil said they had asked ITBP to waive the charges as securing Kasab was a national responsibility. He added that the government had ensured speedy hearing in the Kasab case and got a death sentence served on him. They were hoping for an early confirmation of the sentence by the Supreme Court. After the SC confirmation,we will ensure that it is executed at the earliest, said Patil. Asked if six cooks were transferred to the jail for Kasab,Patil said that two cooks were employed who were working in shifts. He added that now normal food is being served to Kasab. He said that there are 23,800 inmates in various jails of the state with the capacity being 22,000.
