Sushil Kumar Shinde adds that the Additional Sessions Court decided on the date of hanging and it was the decision of the MHA to keep the hanging secret.
When asked whether Kasab's hanging would mean that the 12 other mercy petitions pending with the President would be expedited, Shinde said, "Knowing Pranab Mukherjee's style of working, he will not keep files (on other mercy petitions) pending with him for long. The government is working quickly on everything, but we want to say that the government will not take credit or claim political mileage for the hanging."

Shinde added that Kasab was brought to Yerwada jail in Pune, because unlike Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, it has facilities for hanging. "I also want to reiterate that the cancellation of Rehman Malik, the Pakistan home minister's visit to India is not related to the hanging.

Fitting tribute: People celebrating Kasab's execution. Pic: Reuters