Thousands throng Yakub Memon's funeral

Within 12 hours of Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon's execution at Nagpur Central Prison, his body was laid to rest at Bada Qabrastan in Marine Lines, where his parents are also buried.

Yakub was executed between 6.30am and 7am, and buried by 5.35pm in grave number 20 of 'H' block. Just before the funeral prayer or Namaaz-e-Janazah, details of which priest would lead the prayers were kept under wraps.

In order to ensure peace as well as law and order in the city, the state machinery ensured that Yakub's body was transported in the least possible time from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) to his brother Suleiman's residence in Mahim and further to the graveyard in south Mumbai. The Memon family landed with Yakub's body at CSIA at 12.03pm and was allowed to leave from the Corporate Aviation Terminal, which is used by VIPs, for a hassle-free exit.

Due to security reasons, Cadell Road was shut for traffic and the area between Hinduja hospital and St Michael's Church cordoned off. Shops in Mahim and south Mumbai had downed their shutters even before the body arrived in Mahim around 1.05pm.

The crowd at the mosque and graveyard was in thousands, threatening a stampede-like situation. The gathering prayed that Yakub be forgiven for whatever sins he committed knowingly and unknowingly. The mosque was occupied beyond its capacity and, on several occasions, the gate had to be shut. The crowd swelled within minutes of the body being brought to south Mumbai around 4.15pm.

While many came to pay their last respects, there were a few who had travelled all the way from Borivli just to witness the goings-on at the graveyard.

Even at Mahim, there wasn't any respite from the crowd, despite the Mumbai police imposing section 144, which prohibits assembly of 10 or more people. Repeated announcements were being made by community leaders to steer clear and not gather, but the crowd did not budge. People were not only travelling to south Mumbai, but many also walked all the way from Bandra to Memon's residence throughout the day.