Mumbai gunman pleads not guilty

MUMBAI: The man accused of being the lone surviving gunman from last year's Mumbai attack pleaded not guilty yesterday to 86 charges against him, including murder and waging war against India, lawyers said.

Mohammed Ajmal Kasab was charged with being directly involved in seven cases that caused the deaths of 72 people and being a co-conspirator in the deaths of all 166 people killed last November, said the public prosecutor.

"The prosecution today framed 86 charges against the accused, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges," Ujjwal Nikam told reporters after the court was adjourned for the day.