The Men Who Killed Gandhi: The Untold Story and Their Motives

Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948, but the true story of the men who plotted and executed his murder remains lesser-known. This article aims to shed light on the individuals who were involved in this tragic event and delve into their motives.

The Plot Begins: Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte

The main players in the assassination of Gandhi were Nathuram Godse and Narayan Apte. They were a part of an extremist group known as the Hindu Mahasabha, driven by the ideology of Hindutva and determined to prevent the division of India and the creation of Pakistan.

Godse, a former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),had developed a deep animosity towards Gandhi due to his appeasement policy towards Muslims during the partition. He considered Gandhi's efforts to promote peace and unity in a divided nation as a threat to Hindu-Muslim unity and the Hindu way of life.

The Men Who Killed Gandhi

by Manohar Malgonkar(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8199 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

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The article uncovers the early lives and radicalization process of Godse and Apte, shedding light on their upbringing and influences that contributed to their extremist beliefs.

The Conspiracy Unveiled: The Involvement of Others

However, Godse and Apte were not acting alone. There were several others involved, including Vishnu Karkare and Madanlal Pahwa. These men played crucial roles in the conspiracy and had their own distinct reasons for wanting Gandhi dead.

Karkare, a staunch advocate of Hindutva, had close ties to extremist groups and saw Gandhi as an obstacle in achieving their goals. Pahwa, on the other hand, had personal grievances against Gandhi due to his alleged involvement in the imprisonment of Pahwa's brother during the Quit India Movement.

The article dives deep into the motivations and connections of these individuals, exploring the network that facilitated the assassination plot.

The Final Act: Assassination and Aftermath

On that fateful day in January, as Gandhi made his way to his evening prayer meeting in Delhi, Godse approached him and fired three fatal shots. The nation was left in shock, mourning the loss of their leader.

The aftermath of the assassination was marked by an intense investigation, trials, and debates surrounding the actions and motives of those involved. The article highlights some of the key events during this period, including the trial of Godse and Apte.

The Impact and Legacy

Gandhi's assassination resulted in a profound impact on the course of Indian history. It not only stirred immediate tensions between different religious communities but also left a deep scar on the collective consciousness of the nation.

This article addresses the repercussions of the assassination and the legacy it left behind. It explores the changing political landscape of India, the rise of fundamentalism, and the ongoing struggle for communal harmony.

The men who killed Gandhi were driven by different motivations, but their shared goal was to eliminate a figure they perceived as an obstacle to their ideologies. Understanding their backgrounds, beliefs, and actions can provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics that led to this tragic event.

By shedding light on these untold stories, we honor the memory of Gandhi and strive to prevent such acts of violence in the future. Gandhi's message of peace, non-violence, and unity continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of compassion and respect in a diverse society.

The Men Who Killed Gandhi

by Manohar Malgonkar(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8199 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

FREE

The Men Who Killed Gandhi by Manohar Malgonkar takes readers back into the pages of Indian history during the time of the partition, featuring the murder plot and assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Men Who Killed Gandhi is a spellbinding non fictional recreation of the events which led to India’s partition, the eventual assassination of Gandhi, and the prosecution of those who were involved in Gandhi’s murder. This historical reenactment is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the British Raj. Malgonkar’s book is a result of painstaking research and from also having privileged access to many important documents and photographs related to the assassination.

There is no doubt that Mahatma Gandhi played a leading role in obtaining independence from the British. But the problems that ensued afterwards, such as the structural rebuilding of the country and the Partition, led to many riots, massive migrations, and deep racial and cultural divides. Not everyone agreed with Gandhi and his ideals. As a result, a plot to assassinate Gandhi was devised by six individuals named, Narayan Apte, Gopal Godse, Madanlal Pahwa, Digambar Badge, and Nathuram Godse. This was eventually carried out in New Delhi, on the 30th of January, 1948. Eventually, these six individuals were tried and convicted. Four of them received life sentences while two of them received the death penalty.
The first publication of The Men Who Killed Gandhi occurred in 1978, during the Emergency years. As a result, Malgonkar omitted many vital facts including Dr. Ambedkar’s role in minimizing Savarkar’s criminal conviction. This 11th edition of the text contains these omitted facts as well as rare documents, and photographs obtained from National Archives. After the four individuals who were convicted for Gandhi’s murder completed their life sentences, they were interviewed by Malgonkar. These individuals revealed many details to him which were never known before. The author also received access to the Kapur Commission from his friend Mr. Nayar, who was in the Indian Police Service. As a result, The Men Who Killed Gandhi is considered the most historically accurate account of Gandhi’s assassination plot.