Kasab deserved death, say martyred cop's family

"I am happy with the verdict of death being given to Kasab," said Eknath Omble, brother of assistant police sub-inspector Tukaram Omble, who died while trying to capture Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab, on the dreaded night of November 26, 2008.

"I thank Rakesh Maria (Mumbai top cop) and Ujjwal Nikam (special public prosecutor in the 26/11 case) for this," Eknath said. "But the verdict must be carried on immediately," he added.

"My brother's soul will only rest peacefully when Kasab is hanged," he said.

Tukaram's widow, however, did not speak to mediapersons. When we went to meet her at their house in Worli, Mumbai, she only smiled.

'Saw it all on TV' was all she said before politely closing the door. Along with her was their six-year-old grandson Harshu, too young to decipher what was happening.

"My father's sacrifice has paid off," said an emotional Vaishali Omble, daughter of the martyred cop.

Vaishali said Kasab's execution should not be delayed as in the case Afzal Guru, who was sentenced to death in the 2001 Parliament attack case.

"I am very happy today that Kasab was awarded death sentence. I welcome the sentence... He deserves it," Vaishali also said.

"The 26/11 terror attacks accused hiding in Pakistan should be also nabbed. The Indian government should ensure the arrest of all the accused involved in the attacks and they should be punished," she added.

An unarmed Omble was shot dead by an AK-47-wielding Kasab at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai, but not before he ensured that the terrorist was caught alive.

Image: My brother's soul will only rest peacefully when Kasab is hanged, says martyred cop Tukaram Omble's brother Eknath (in the picture)

Photograph: Abhishek Mande

With inputs from PTI