Memon execution: Red alert, unprecedented security in Nagpur

There is unprecedented security in Nagpur to prevent a possible backlash to Yakub Memon’s execution, scheduled for July 30.

There is unprecedented security in Nagpur to prevent a possible backlash to Yakub Memon’s execution, scheduled for July 30.

Yakub Memon, the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts convict, at a TADA court. (Kunal Patil/HT file photo)

A red alert has already been sounded in the city, which houses the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The state intelligence had issued a circular on July 22 asking the police to ramp up security. In response, the city police have deployed a quick response team and tightened security in and around the central jail.

A senior official at Nagpur jail said Memon would be hanged there, and not at Pune’s Yerwada jail. Hindustan Times has reported last week that jail authorities and home department officials were debating whether Memon should be hanged at Yerwada as Nagpur is the hometown of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, and because the jail is located in the assembly constituency he represents – Nagpur south-west. “We have no proposal to shift him to Yerwada jail ahead of his hanging, as reported by a section of media. He will be kept here and will be hanged on July 30,” said the senior jail official.

He added, “We have brought in a hangman and made all the necessary preparations. The jail has all the facilities to carry out the execution.” The hangman’s identity is being kept secret to ensure his safety.

According an unconfirmed report, the district administration is also planning to tell all schools in Nagpur to remain closed on July 30. However, the administration may to convey the message by telephone, and not through a formal notification, to avoid any embarrassment, the report said.

Kasab’s hangman arrives in Nagpur ahead of Yakub Memon’s execution

The hangman who was entrusted with executing Ajmal Kasab at Pune’s Yerwada jail for the 26/11 terror attacks has arrived in Nagpur ahead of Yakub Memon’s hanging, scheduled for July 30.

Preparations for Memon’s execution are being carried out under the supervision of additional director general of police (prisons) Meeran Borwankar, who visited the Nagpur Central Jail on Saturday morning to take a stock of the preparations.

Borwankar visited the spot where Memon is likely to be hanged and discussed the procedure with the hangman, a constable whose identity has been withheld for his safety. He has also been asked to train two others for the job. “This arrangement was made as nowadays it is very difficult to find an official jallad (hangman),” said a jail official, who did not wish to be named. The three-man team has been maintaining the gallows and coordinating with officials from the public works department, who are building a shed in which Memon will be hanged.

The last execution at Nagpur jail was carried out in 1984, when the Wankhede brothers from Amravati were hanged for murder.

(Inputs from HT correspondent)