Kasab kills time with karate kicks

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: Loneliness is getting the better of the country’s most high-profile prisoner, Ajmal Kasab, who is not allowed to step out of his 10x5 ft high-security cell at Arthur Road jail. So, to escape boredom, the 26/11 gunman has religiously taken to karate, which he practices for an hour every day.

According to the jail staff, “qaidi number C-7096” has become restless after long months of composure. “He has been in this cell since December 2008. Life must be monotonous for him. To overcome his frustration, he has taken to karate. He seems to be a champion in the martial art,” said a jail official. “He does not have any props for practice or equipment for exercise, but that is not a hurdle for him. His methods match those of a true professional. He rests after working out and then eats a lot.”

A jail official had earlier said that Kasab tries chatting with policemen when he feels lonely. “He tries to talk to the policemen, but we have strictly forbidden them from entertaining him since he is a convict in a sensitive case,” the jail official had said. “When no one speaks to him, Kasab starts abusing them and uses filthy words against India. He also demands to be sent to Pakistan or the US to face trail.”

Jail officials have noticed a considerable change in Kasab’s demeanour following his conviction. “Now, he spends most of his time sitting near the cell’s iron door. When his case was with the special court (set up within the jail), he would be taken there almost daily; he would at least be among people. Now, after the HC judgment, he is just confined to his cell all day long.”

The Times of India, March 9, 2011