Kasab replaces Ravana in Dussehra festival

BHOPAL: In a break from tradition, an Indore-based organisation would burn the effigy of Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, instead of demon-king Ravana.

"The present day's biggest enemy is terrorism and thus we have decided to burn the effigy of Kasab instead of Ravana," said Nikhil Agrawal of Khatiwala Tank Dussehra Utsav Samiti.

Kasab's effigy is 100 feet tall and weighs around 4,000 kg. The effigy has been prepared by the artists of Malwa.

"Since the government is unable to punish the terrorist, we could give a message regarding feelings of the citizens," he added.

"This is the only case in Madhya Pradesh when the effigy of a terrorist is being burnt on Dussehra. In Mumbai, Worli residents burn effigy of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden every year on the occasion of Dussehra," Agrawal said.