According to the sources in the Crime Branch, Kasab once again on Tuesday asked for consular access to be granted to him so that he could be defended by a Pakistani lawyer.

Like in earlier instances, Additional Metropolitan Magistrate

N Shrimangale and Additional Public Prosecutor Eknath Dhumal, along with court staff, went to the police lock-up where Kasab is kept. Kasab, who has not been produced before the conventional court due to security concerns, has been in police custody since his arrest on November 26.

The police have now sought his custody so as to investigate his role in the Cama Hospital firing.

“We argued that further investigation needs to be carried out in the case, on how many were shot at from Kasab’s gun at Cama hospital where firing took place,” Dhumal said.

Commenting on what legal aid Kasab might receive, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rakesh Maria said: “Today, he once again asked the court for consular access, and was informed that his request had been communicated to Pakistan. While he has not yet turned down advocate K B N Lam’s offer to defend him, he has said that a Pakistani lawyer is his first choice.” Kasab and his associate Ismail Khan had attacked the Cama & Albless hospital near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, killing seven people there.