Mumbai terror attacker executed in India

NEW DELHI - India executed the only surviving perpetrator in 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack Ajmal Kasab on Wednesday.

Kasab, 25, was hanged at 07:30 am local time at the Yerawada Jail in Pune in western India, announced Maharashtra state home minister R. R. Patil.

When asked whether he had any last word or wish, Kasab replied "No", according to local TV channel CNN-IBN.

Kasab was secretly transferred from the Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai earlier this month to wait for execution after Indian President Pranab Mukherjee rejected his mercy plea on Nov 8.

He was convicted and given capital punishment by the trial court on May 6, 2010 which was upheld by the Bombay High Court on February 21, 2011 and the Supreme Court of India on Aug 29 this year.

"Due process of law has been followed," Patil told the media. "This is a true homage to the innocent victims."

At least 166 people were killed when 10 Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists from Pakistan went on the rampage in Mumbai from Dec 26 to 28, 2008. Kasab was the sole gunman captured alive.

Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, while confirming the execution, said Pakistan was informed about the execution of Kasab, according to Press Trust of India.

He said the judicial procedure of 26/11 case has been completed.