India launches first absent-in-court trial of six Pakistani 26/11 suspects under new law

Mumbai’s special court has initiated a trial in absentia against six Pakistani suspects tied to the 2008 26/11 terror assault, under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam submitted a request following a letter from Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, who emphasized the sensitivity of the case and the need to avoid delays. The court, presided over by Judge S R Navander, issued a proclamation demanding the fugitives’ presence by August 18 and sent it to the Ministry of Home Affairs for Interpol circulation.

Among the accused are Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers Haafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, as well as Sajid Mir, Abu Alqama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa and Major Abdur Rehman Pasha, all identified through Ajmal Kasab’s testimony. The prosecution also seeks Interpol red-corner notices for several of them. This is the first instance of a terror trial being conducted in absentia since the BNSS came into force.