📅 What Happened on May 21, 1991?

On the evening of May 21, 1991, India lost one of its most promising leaders — former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi — in a brutal suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. This assassination shocked the entire nation and altered the course of Indian political history.

👤 Who Was Rajiv Gandhi?

Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944, into India’s most powerful political family. He became India’s youngest Prime Minister at age 40, after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, in 1984.

Rajiv Gandhi with his wife Sonia Gandhi

His tenure was marked by:

  • Major advances in telecommunications
  • Efforts toward modernization and liberalization
  • Initiatives for youth empowerment and education reform

However, his leadership was also marred by controversy, including the Bofors scandal and challenges in foreign policy.

💣 How Was Rajiv Gandhi Assassinated?

During an election campaign in Sriperumbudur, Rajiv Gandhi was greeting supporters when a woman named Dhanu, a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), approached him. She bent to touch his feet and detonated an explosive belt tied around her waist.

The impact:

  • Rajiv Gandhi and 14 others were killed instantly
  • Many others were injured in the blast
  • This was India’s first political suicide bombing

⚖️ Who Was Behind the Assassination?

Investigations by the CBI and SIT concluded that the LTTE, a Sri Lankan Tamil militant group, carried out the assassination. The LTTE was angry with Rajiv Gandhi for sending the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka during his tenure.

In 1998, 26 people were convicted in connection with the case. However, legal battles over the years led to:

  • Several sentences being commuted
  • Ongoing debates over the release of convicts

🕍 Rajiv Gandhi Memorial in Sriperumbudur

The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, located at the site of the assassination, was built to honor his memory. The memorial features:

  • A lotus-shaped platform
  • Seven pillars representing India’s major religions
  • A peaceful garden attracting thousands of visitors annually

🕯️ Legacy of Rajiv Gandhi and His Assassination

Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination was a turning point in India’s fight against terrorism and political violence. It led to stronger security protocols for political leaders and greater public awareness about the risks of extremism.

His legacy includes:

📌 Conclusion

The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s modern political history. It reminds us of the cost of violence, the importance of democratic values, and the ever-present need for national unity.

🔖 FAQs

Q1: Who killed Rajiv Gandhi?
A: The suicide bomber was Dhanu, affiliated with the LTTE, a Sri Lankan Tamil militant organization.

Q2: Where was Rajiv Gandhi assassinated?
A: In Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Q3: Why did LTTE kill Rajiv Gandhi?
A: In retaliation for his support of the Sri Lankan government through the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission.