Yakub's execution a lesson for terrorists, politics not needed: Naqvi

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said that the execution of 1993 Mumbai terror attacks convict Yakub Memon should be seen as a lesson for terrorists and a message against terrorism, and added that there is no need for politics on this matter.

"Firstly, the law has done its work. A criminal like him, who was against humanity and the nation's peace, has been punished lawfully. He wasn't punished in a day or two. He was given two decades to prove himself innocent, but he couldn't do so, and so, was hanged," Naqvi told media here.

"This is a lesson for the terrorists and a message for terrorism. We think politics is not needed in this matter," he added.

Speaking on political leaders slamming the move, Naqvi stated "It's a sad thing that some people are trying to make terrorists like Yakub a lord of the criminals. I think politics in this matter, in any way, is not right."

Memon's body was handed over to his family members after he was hanged in the Nagpur Central jail this morning.

His body will now be taken to Mumbai for the last rites.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened outside the terror attack convict's Mumbai residence following his execution.

Memon was hanged at the Nagpur Central jail today morning after his second mercy plea before President Pranab Mukherjee was rejected late last night.

In an unprecedented move, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court presided over a fresh hearing of the case throughout the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday before dismissing the final appeal for mercy by Yakub, the only person to be sentenced to death for the series of bombings in Mumbai.

Memon was convicted for being the "driving spirit" behind the blasts that killed at least 257 people at separate landmarks in the financial capital, including the Bombay Stock Exchange and two crowded markets.