The cities of Mumbai and Pune were put on high alert, while a general alert was sounded across the state after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Mohamed Ajmal Amir Kasab was hanged at Yerwada prison on Wednesday morning. Kasab was arrested four years ago for his role in the 26/11 attacks. The President had earlier rejected his mercy petition.

The alerts were issued because agencies have indicated a possible retaliatory strike from remaining members of the LeT cadre, which police agencies believe, are in hiding. “One can never rule out the possibility of a terrorist strike to avenge Kasab’s death,” said a police officer, requesting anonymity.

Police sources also said that Pune has been a potent target for LeT since 2010 and those involved in the Pune blasts are still at large. Mumbai, on the other hand, has always been a target for the LeT.

To add to the concerns, an unidentified LeT commander had called the Reuters news agency in Pakistan and said that Kasab would inspire more strikes.

“He was a hero and will inspire other fighters to follow his path,” the LeT commander told Reuters over the telephone from an undisclosed location.

Sanjeev Dayal, director general of police (Maharashtra), said, “We have issued a general alert across the state.”