MUMBAI: The direction of the trial of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the prime accused in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, may be decided tomorrow (Saturday) when the court is expected to give its findings on claim made by him that he is a minor.On a prosecution plea, judge M L Tahaliyani had ordered an inquiry to determine Kasab's age.Kasab had claimed that he was less than 18 years and therefore could not be tried by the special court.The inquiry concluded on Wednesday with Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam submitting forensic and substantive evidence to show that Kasab was not a minor. The testimony of five witnesses, Ossification (bone) test and dental check has revealed that he was above 20 years. The witnesses, Jail Superindent and the doctor who treated Kasab for bullet injuries sustained in a police encounter on the day of terror, have deposed saying the accused had himself told them that he was 21. The duo even showed the court the registers wherein they had recorded Kasab's age as 21 years.However, Kasab has denied telling Jail Superintendent and the doctor that he was 21. His lawyer Abbas Kazmi has also questioned forensic tests saying that these cannot be regarded as authentic and accurate.
Sunday, February 28, 2010 HAVANA: Hundreds of wealthy merchants and cigar aficionados from all parts of the world gathered in Havana this week to bid high stakes for humidors full of premium cigars. Cuba's annual Habanos festival ended on Friday night with an auction of ornate humidors of cedar and mahogany stacked with hand-rolled stogies that raised 800,000 euros ($1.09 million dollars). Habanos S.A. executives this month said cigar sales fell 8 percent to $360 million in 2009, so they have created the Julieta, a smaller, milder version of the Romeo y Julieta cigar, aimed specifically at female smokers. Women now make up only 5 to 10 percent of customers for Habanos. But even with the creation of the Julieta, Garcia said Habanos has only modest hopes for 2010 sales, due largely to a weak economy in Spain, the biggest market for Cuban cigars. The flavor of premium tobacco relies on the soil and climate in which it is grown. The western province of Pinar Del Rio, famous fo...
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