Subhasmita Das of Class 5, shares a report on the events of May 21, 1991, when former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. This pivotal moment in Indian history, orchestrated by the LTTE, left an indelible mark on the nation. Explore the web of conspiracy, the investigation, and the lasting legacy of a leader whose vision was cut short.
May 21, 1991, was supposed to be just another stop on Rajiv Gandhi’s campaign trail. The former Prime Minister, charismatic and confident, had been crisscrossing the country, shaking hands and making promises. But in the small town of Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, a sinister plot was unfolding.
As Gandhi’s motorcade arrived, the air was electric with anticipation. Supporters thronged the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader. But amidst the sea of faces, one stood out – a young woman, Kalaivani Rajaratnam, known only as Dhanu.
Dhanu’s innocent appearance belied her deadly intent. Sent by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), she had been trained to carry out a mission of murder. The LTTE, fueled by anger over Gandhi’s proposed return to power and his vow to disarm them, had decided to strike.
As Gandhi walked towards the dais, Dhanu pushed through the crowd, her eyes locked on her target. She bent down to touch his feet, a sign of respect, but her hands concealed an RDX explosive-laden belt. The blast ripped through the night air, killing Gandhi, Dhanu, and 14 others, leaving 43 grievously injured.
The Web of Deceit
Investigator D. R. Karthikeyan and his team unraveled a complex web of conspiracy, tracing the plot back to the LTTE’s leadership. The trail led from Sriperumbudur to Sri Lanka, revealing a network of operatives and sleeper cells.
The trial, a tense and dramatic spectacle, saw 26 accused convicted, with four sentenced to death. But appeals and stays of execution would drag on for years, testing the patience of a nation.
A Legacy Cut Short
Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination remains a defining moment in Indian history, a cautionary tale of terrorism’s devastating power. His legacy, marked by vision and reform, was cruelly cut short. The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, erected at the site of the tragedy, stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of politics.
Echoes of the Past
Today, questions still linger: What if Gandhi had lived? Would India‘s course have changed? The answers, lost in the mists of time, leave us with only speculation. Yet, the lessons of that fateful night remain: the importance of national security, the dangers of extremism, and the enduring power of leadership.
