Allow family to perform last rites: Afzal's wife

The family of Afzal Guru, who was hanged in Tihar Jail Saturday, sought permission from the authorities to perform his last rites in accordance with religious traditions.

Guru's body was buried inside the jail premises, said officials.

In a letter to Jail Director General Vimla Mehra, drafted by Guru's lawyer N.D. Pancholi, wife Tabassum said the last rites of her husband should be performed in a dignified manner.

"We are writing you to please permit the family members to give Afzal Guru a proper dignified last rites in accordance with the religious traditions.

"If you could inform us when the family members can perform their 'Namaaz-e-Janaza', we would appreciate it," said the letter, a copy of which is with IANS.

"We do not wish to make it a political issue in an atmosphere which is already volatile but the family members, as citizens of India, have a right, which must be respected," the letter said.

Guru, convicted for his role in the attack on India's parliament in 2001, was hanged in the jail at 8 a.m. after his mercy plea was rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee Feb 3.