Sarogi says no to plead for Ajmal

Senior criminal lawyer Ashok Sarogi backed off from appearing for Mohammed Ajmal Amir Iman, the lone captured terrorist in last month's terror strikes in Mumbai.

Senior criminal lawyer Ashok Sarogi on Saturday backed off from appearing for Mohammed Ajmal Amir Iman, the lone captured terrorist in last month's terror strikes in Mumbai.

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"I have decided not to appear for Ajmal although I was approached by someone requesting me to appear for him (Ajmal)," Sarogi told PTI.

Sarogi, however, declined to comment on the reason for his refusal. Sarogi had earlier said that every accused has a right to be defended and he would take his decision in a day or two.

Sarogi had in the past represented gangster Abu Salem who is facing trial in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

Earlier, advocate Dinesh Mota, the senior most member of the Legal Aid Panel, refused to represent Ajmal saying "I am a Mumbaikar and all the victims (of terror attack) are like my family. Why would I ever represent him?"

Ajmal, the Pakistani national, is facing a dozen charges including waging war against the state and murder.

He was also involved in the killing of three senior police officials, including ATS chief Hemant Karkare on November 26 night near Cama hospital in South Mumbai.

Several lawyers of Mumbai have refused to defend Ajmal, a Pakistani and a member of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.