Crime Branch wants to grill Kasab, confrontation with Ansari possible

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has written to the Home Department seeking permission to interrogate lone surviving 26/11 gunman Ajmal Kasab, who is lodged in the high-security Arthur Road Jail in the city. The Crime Branch is awaiting a reply after it sent its request letter two days ago. Sources said Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal — a prize catch in the 26/11 case — could be confronted with Kasab if the request is granted.

"We will need to cross-check whatever Ansari has told us. His interrogation will be needed in the case. We will proceed with it as soon as the nod is given," said a Crime Branch officer, who did not wish to be named.

The officer revealed that while there was a possibility that Ansari and Kasab would be made to face each other during interrogation, it would only be done if investigations demanded such a move. "The possibility of bringing them for interrogation together does exist. However, it will only be done if the need is seen during investigations," said the officer.

According to sources, Ansari has told Crime Branch interrogators that different handlers were appointed by the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) for Indian recruits at its camps in Pakistan. Ansari said a Lashkar handler is given charge of only one Indian and Indian operatives are not allowed to meet one another so that utmost secracy is maintained.

Sources said during his interrogation, Ansari said the terror outfit in Pakistan has tried its best to ensure that names of Indians are not revealed to others. "He has told us that the Indians at LeT camps in Pakistan have been given separate handlers. The handlers are not allowed to interact with each other and neither are they allowed to speak to anyone about the persons they handle. Ansari said he was told that this was being done to ensure that secrecy is maintained and the handlers don't divulge information about the Indians who are there," said an officer, requesting anonymity.

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