File photo of 1993 blasts convict Yakub Memon
A jail in Maharashtra's Nagpur is preparing for the execution of Yakub Memon, the only convict to be hanged for the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai, after the Supreme Court today rejected his final mercy plea.
Memon, 53, will hang on the same day as his birthday, July 30.
Sources say a team of doctors at the Nagpur Central Jail is monitoring his health at regular intervals.
The hanging area in the jail is being readied, say officials
Some top officers had recently visited and inspected the spot and asked for a few changes, sources say. Some changes have already been made after their instructions. The "weight-bearing capacity" of the platform is also being tested as part of procedure.
Security in and outside the jail has been stepped up since the warrant of execution was signed recently. Visitors to the jail now have to face several layers of checks and no one is allowed to linger outside.
As is the protocol, Memon's family has been informed, sources say.
Of the 11 convicts in the case, Memon is the only one whose mercy petition was rejected.
A court said Memon was the "diving spirit" behind the attacks.
He was found guilty of financing and helping organize the 13 serial blasts in which over 250 people were killed.
His brother Ibrahim or Tiger Memon, and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim are the other main accused in the case. They have been on the run since 1993.