Security has been tightened around sensitive areas in Maharashtra after Yakub Memon was hanged in the early hours of Thursday for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts that killed 257 people and injured hundreds.
ANI reported that a tight security cordon was placed around the residence of Memon to counter any outbreak of violence after it became clear that the chartered accountant who turned 54 today would go to the gallows. Memon was hanged shortly before 7:00 am at the Nagpur Central Jail.
In a pre-dawn session of the Supreme Court, Justices Dipak Misra, Prafulla Chandra Pant and Amitava Roy heard Memon's last plea for a 14-day stay on his execution to mentally prepare himself and meet with family.
Security has been tightened in Mumbai's Mahim area where Memon's family resides and sensitive localities of the metropolis, according to PTI. Top police officers visited Mahim and reviewed the arrangements in the early hours today.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with senior police officials last evening on security situation as well measures to be put in place. In a statement later, he appealed to the people to maintain restraint and respect the legal process.
Quick Response Teams of police, formed after the 26/11 terrorist attacks, have been deployed at a few places, including the Al Hussaini building, where the Memon family lives. As a preventive measure police have rounded up several criminals.
The gates of the building remained shut and barricades were put up outside the Mahim police station which is near the building, reported Hindustan Times.
Police identified over 200 sensitive pockets in the city that will see heavy deployment. There are 10 companies of state reserve police companies in Mumbai, comprising 900 personnel, , the report said.
A prohibitory order was in place outside the Nagpur central jail. (With inputs from agencies)
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