During the 26/11 trial, a report that Ajmal Kasab had demanded mutton biryani in jail made national headlines. Former special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has now spoken again about the claim, saying it was not true. He made the remarks on Kamiya Jani’s show “Sunday Brunch,” where he appeared with actor Rajkummar Rao, who plays him in the upcoming film “Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story.”
Nikam said that after an interrogation he told the media Kasab had asked for mutton biryani in jail. It quickly became breaking news and led to a debate about why a man accused of killing so many people would make such a demand. The next day, he said, the matter reached the court, where Kasab’s lawyer reportedly questioned why Kasab would ask the public prosecutor, rather than his own lawyer, for biryani.
Nikam said he pointed to Kasab’s background and eating habits, noting that he came from Pakistan and ate non-vegetarian food. When the judge asked Kasab whether he had asked for mutton biryani, Kasab did not respond. Nikam said it was unclear at the time whether Kasab had actually asked for it.
Why He Says He Told It
Nikam said he publicly acknowledged the truth in 2015. He said Kasab had neither asked for mutton biryani nor been served it by the government. According to him, he created the story when he sensed an emotional atmosphere building around Kasab.
He recalled an episode in court when Kasab bowed his head and wiped his eyes. The media noticed, and reports began saying Kasab had tears in his eyes. Because it was Rakshabandhan, there was speculation that he might be remembering his sister. Nikam said some people even began to question whether Kasab was really a terrorist. He felt this mood had to be stopped, which is why he told the media about the biryani claim, and he later admitted it had no basis in reality.
Back in the News With “Prahaar”
The episode has returned to attention because of “Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story,” which is based on Nikam’s life and his role in the prosecution of Kasab. Rajkummar Rao plays Nikam. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16.
Why It Matters
The account is a reminder of how a single media claim can shape public perception of a high-profile trial, and of how closely courts, prosecutors and the press interact in such cases. It also shows that Nikam is willing to revisit his own past statements ahead of the film. Viewers will watch how “Prahaar” treats the episode.
