TOKYO, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Aum Shinrikyo cult founder Shoko Asahara, who was sentenced for death for being the mastermind behind the deadly sarin gas attacks in 1995 on Tokyo's subways and other plots which resulted in 29 lives being lost, was executed by hanging, sources close to the matter said Friday.

Asahara, 63, whose real name is Chizuo Matsumoto, was the first to be hanged from the 13 cult members currently on death row, for their roles in a number of fatal crimes carried out by the cult.

The others awaiting execution on death row are former followers of cult leader Asahara who carried out deadly acts as dictated by their spiritual leader.