NEW DELHI, Oct 23: India’s home ministry has recommended that the president reject a clemency plea filed by Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving gunman of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Last month, Kasab sent a petition to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking clemency.

The Press Trust of India reported on Tuesday that the ministry advised Mukherjee to reject the petition. Government prosecutor Ujwal Nikam said the president would keep in mind the ministry’s recommendation while considering the petition.

The plea was submitted to President Mukherjee on Tuesday, opening the final appeal stage against Kasab’s death sentence.—Agencies