Maharashtra Home Minister Jayant Patil on Thursday showered praise on the Mumbai [Images] Crime Branch, which is investigating the 26/11 terrorist attacks, and claimed that the investigation done by it compelled Pakistan to finally admit that Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab [Images] was a Pakistani.

Patil told reporters that the Mumbai Crime Branch investigated the case properly and collected evidences systematically, which forced Pakistan to admit that Kasab was its national.

He said Pakistan had to finally register offences against nine persons, including Kasab.

"Mumbai Crime Branch, led by Rakesh Maria [Images], investigated the 26/11 terrorst attacks in a proper manner and collected strong evidence, which Pakistan could not deny and had to admit that Kasab was a Pakistani," Patil said.

When asked whether Pakistan would hand over the accused to India, Patil said that the state government would write to the Centre in this regard and urge it to ensure handing over of the accused to India by Pakistan.