Qasab demands basmati rice in prison

After mutton biryani, 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Ajmal Qasab now wants basmati rice to be served to him in jail.

Qasab wants spicy food and basmati rice for himself and if he does not get dish of his choice he gets furious and abuses the staff of the Arthur Road Central prison, where he is lodged.

Last week, he had demanded basmati rice and before that wanted mutton biryani, Jail Superintendent Rajendra Dhamne said on Monday.

"Qasab's mood swings still continue and time and again we reprimand him," he said. He has thrown tantrums in jail in last few days by refusing to eat food, not dressing in time to come to the court and abusing the staff who attend on him, the official said.

The jail authorities have complained to the special court, hearing the 26/11 terror attack case, about misbehaviour of Qasab who is facing the trial along with two Indians for killing 166 persons. All prisoners are given food as prescribed in the jail manual, Dhamne said.

The court is yet to hear the complaint, although it had earlier pulled up Qasab for his misbehaviour and warned him to show good conduct failing which it would take strict action, jail officials said.

Whenever Qasab is reprimanded by Judge ML Tahaliyani he stops all that, but again resorts to his behaviour after some time, they said.

A camera is fitted in Qasab's cell and his movements are being watched round the clock. He is guarded by Indo-Tibetan Border Police along with the jail guards. There are three watch towers around his cell which is isolated from others.

The trial, which commenced in April, is expected to conclude this year end. More than 150 witnesses have been examined so far and about 50 others are expected to depose, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said.