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Kasab's lawyer not paid till date

July 23, 2009 17:55 IST
As the drama continues to unfold in the ongoing Mumbai terror attacks trial, it is intriguing to note that Abbas Kazmi, the lawyer for prime accused Ajmal Amir Kasab, has not been paid a rupee so far.

Though Kazmi refuses to make it a big issue, the fact remains that he has not been getting his legal fees.

Sources say his payment is being processed, but Kazmi has not received the money in the last two months due to bureaucratic delays.

When asked about the issue of non-payment of dues, Kazmi underplayed it, but acknowledged that he has not received any payment so far.

Kazmi told the special court on Thursday that he wanted to withdraw from the case. His action was immediately dubbed a 'drama' by Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Kazmi thinks his client has lost trust in him. Kasab, much to Kazmi's surprise, pleaded guilty to his crimes on Monday.

Later, at the judge's request, Nikam urged Kazmi to continue representing Kasab, and the defence lawyer agreed.

Sheela Bhatt in New Delhi