Process for 26/11 trial in absentia of Lashkar handlers Saeed, Lakhvi starts
Indian authorities have initiated a trial in absentia against six Pakistani nationals, including Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders Haafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, for their roles in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This marks the first use of the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) law to prosecute absconding terror suspects.
Why it matters
This represents a significant legal development in India's pursuit of justice for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, utilizing new legislation to bypass the physical absence of the accused.
MUMBAI: The process to start the trial in absentia against six Pakistani accused in the 26/11 terror attack on the city, including banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handlers Haafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, has been initiated.It will be the first trial in absentia in a terror case since the introduction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, said special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Section 356 of the BNSS allows the trial of absconding offenders in their absence to prevent delays in justice.The special court conducting the 26/11 trial issued the proclamation against Saeed, Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, Abu Alqama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa, and Major Abdur Rehman Pasha.Police commissioner Deven Bharti sent a letter to Nikam to initiate the trial in absentia for these accused.“The 26/11 trial is very sensitive and we have enough evidence against the absconding terrorists who are accused in one of the most heinous crimes.
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