Qasab was a terrorist from across the border - a man who was seen killing innocent Indians by millions! He had to be hanged and announcing it in advance could have created cross-border tension. His secret hanging was understandable, though the political calculations in times of a fast rising pro-Narendra Modi wave were apparent.

Although there was euphoria around the Kasab hanging, the fact is that it didn’t benefit the government - it at best reduced ammunition in the hands of BJP to criticize Congress. The government apparently didn’t learn lessons from that episode. With the intention of creating another wave of euphoria, this time they executed Afzal Guru in a similar fashion.