Why Kasab won't leave Arthur Road jail yet

Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab, convicted on Monday in the 26/11 terror attack case, may not be shifted from Arthur Road Prison for some time because of his 'high-risk' status and lack of comparable security in jails elsewhere in Maharashtra.

Arthur Road Central Jail generally houses under-trials and the accused are shifted to other jails in the state after conviction.

But this may not happen in Kasab's case, police sources told PTI.

Soon after Kasab's arrest, the government had spent crores of rupees in building a bullet and bombproof cell for him and also an equally fortified courtroom where the trial was held.

It is quite likely that Kasab will appeal against his conviction. Also, if he gets death penalty, the verdict of the trial court would have to be referred to Mumbai High Court for confirmation.

The convict has the right to appeal in Supreme Court if he is not satisfied with the high court's decision. Until that happens, Kasab is unlikely to be moved to other prison, sources said.

Kasab is guarded by a 200-strong contingent of Indo-Tibetan Border Police, who have been given accommodation in the barracks adjacent to Kasab's cell.

CCTV cameras have been put up at strategic locations, including one inside Kasab's cell to watch his movements. The prison also has six watchtowers with armed guards posted round-the-clock.