India Now Hiring Trained Executioners!
Terrorists are vapid goons who derive inner meaning and sanctity from the baseless murder of innocent men, women and children. So what better job could there possibly be than to bring one of these bottom feeders to justice?
Ajmal Amir Kasab, 22, is one of several Pakistani Islamic terrorists responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed at least 173 people, and wounded hundreds more. After a one-year stay in India’s court system, Kasab was convicted and sentenced to death on May 6, 2010. Now comes the hard part—finding someone adequately equipped to perform the ritual hanging.
Better known as a hangman, a legal Indian executioner is in charge of preparing a suspect for a swift hanging. Although it may sound easy, do not be fooled.
During an interview with the Times of India, lifelong executioner Mammu Singh—his father helped execute the assassins of former prime minister Indira Gandhi—detailed the process, saying, “Preparation of a noose requires a series of steps to make the hanging simple. Before hanging any person, I apply soap, ghee and other substances to the rope for making the hanging smooth. Moreover, as a hangman you have to maintain the correct posture of the convict while hanging.”
Not surprisingly, Singh is eager to undertake the execution of Kasab. However, one obstacle remains in his way: competition.
The Telegraph reports that the “honor and status” of being responsible for executing India’s most notorious terrorist has caused a slew of new applicants to apply for the coveted position. Suffice it to say, Kasab’s actual execution may yet be months away, as a suitable executioner must first be chosen.
Included among the bevy of potential executioners is Rajiv Thandon, 38, a property dealer who noted that if India follows regular legal channels, the process could “take another 25 years.” Ergo, he made a direct request to the President that he be chosen to “carry out” the job.
Another potential executioner is Siddappa Rayappa, an assistant executioner who apparently has helped tie the noose, but never tied it himself.
Regardless, it appears that Mammu may be the best choice. It would require that he come out of retirement, but he doesn’t mind. “I am just praying to the almighty that I get an official call to hang Kasab,” he said.
Below is a more in-depth video of the situation. Keep in mind that it’s in Hindi.
By V Saxena on 15-05-2010
V Saxena
