The Assassination of Indira Gandhi and Its Aftermath

On October 31, 1984, India was shaken to its core by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The event not only marked the end of an era in Indian politics but also unleashed a wave of violence and tragedy that would leave scars for generations. Indira Gandhi, a powerful and controversial figure, was killed by two of her own Sikh security guards-a moment that triggered immediate and catastrophic consequences in the nation's capital and beyond.

Background: Indira Gandhi and Rising Tensions

Indira Gandhi, daughter of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, had served as the country's leader for almost two decades over two terms. Her tenure was marked by both progress and controversy. In the early 1980s, growing unrest in the state of Punjab, driven by demands for greater autonomy and the rise of Sikh militancy, put immense pressure on Gandhi's government. The situation escalated with Operation Blue Star in June 1984, a military operation ordered by Gandhi to remove militants from the Golden Temple-Sikhism's holiest shrine. The Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar to flush out Sikh separatists, including militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The operation resulted in heavy casualties and damage to the holiest site in Sikhism, deeply offending the Sikh community.

Despite warnings and the potential for retaliation, Gandhi had refused to remove her Sikh bodyguards, reportedly saying, "I am not afraid. I am not going to change my guards." Her decision, rooted in loyalty and principle, proved fatal.

The Assassination

On the morning of October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi began her day at her official residence on Safdarjung Road in New Delhi. Dressed in an orange sari with a black border, she was preparing for a scheduled interview with British actor and filmmaker Peter Ustinov. As she walked toward the adjoining bungalow at 1 Akbar Road, tragedy struck.

Her trusted Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, suddenly opened fire. Beant Singh used a .38 revolver, while Satwant Singh wielded a Sterling submachine gun. Together, they fired more than 30 bullets into Gandhi's body.

Aftermath and National Shock

Immediately after the shooting, Gandhi was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Despite hours of medical efforts, she was declared dead. Her daughter-in-law, Sonia Gandhi, was among the first to reach her, cradling her head as she was transported.

The assassination triggered nationwide riots, particularly in Delhi, where mobs targeted Sikh communities. Over 1,000 Sikhs were killed in the violence, marking one of India's darkest chapters in communal strife.

Government estimates report that approximately 3,350 Sikhs were killed across India following Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984, while independent sources suggest the death toll may have reached 8,000 to 17,000.

Legacy and Succession

Indira Gandhi's son, Rajiv Gandhi, was sworn in as Prime Minister later that day. Her death marked the end of an era defined by bold leadership, controversial decisions, and unwavering resolve. Gandhi had served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her death in 1984. Her tenure included landmark achievements like the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, bank nationalization, and the Pokhran nuclear test.

In her final public speech, delivered just a day before her death, Gandhi prophetically declared:

"I am here today, I may not be here tomorrow... When I die, every drop of my blood will invigorate India and strengthen it."

Sources: : Firstpost – History Today

: Zee News – Remembering Indira Gandhi

: Wikipedia – Assassination of Indira Gandhi

: History.com – Indira Gandhi Assassinated