Ajmal Kasab’s execution will not bring immediate respite for residents and shopkeepers on JR Boricha Road, which is located close to Arthur Road jail. The road had been barricaded and converted into a no-entry zone ever since Kasab was lodged at the high-security Arthur Road jail as his cell adjoined the road.

The road has been blocked for the past four years, and residents and shopkeepers have been complaining constantly about the inconvenience they face on a daily basis.

Vivek Phansalkar, joint commissioner of police (traffic), said there were no immediate plans to remove the barricades. “We will take a decision on it soon,” he said.

When asked whether removing the barricades and opening the road for vehicular traffic requires a go-ahead from the jail authorities, Phansalkar said: “Jail authorities have nothing to do with it.”

Residents have alleged that because of the barricading, at least three residents from the area have lost their lives because they could not be rushed to hospital in time.

Locals on Thursday said they don’t mind if the security personnel stayed, but the authorities should remove the barricades soon now that Kasab is dead.