Detailed Fact-check:
Mahatma Gandhi faced numerous threats throughout his life, both in India and South Africa, due to his leadership in non-violent civil disobedience, his stance on untouchability, and his calls for Hindu-Muslim unity. The most well-documented attempts on his life were carried out by Hindu extremists, particularly those associated with the Hindu Mahasabha and figures like Nathuram Godse, who ultimately assassinated Gandhi.
Assassination Attempts on Mahatma Gandhi
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The Second Attempt: July 1944, Panchgani
• Context: After contracting malaria during imprisonment, Gandhi retired to Panchgani for rest.
• Incident: A group of 18-20 men protested against him. Nathuram Godse attacked Gandhi during a prayer meeting with a dagger (Jambhiya) while shouting anti-Gandhi slogans.
• Outcome: Godse was overpowered by Manishankar Purohit and D. Bhilare Guruji, who disarmed him. Despite the attack, Gandhi remained calm and invited Godse to spend time with him, which Godse declined.
• Further Notes:
o Prior to the attack, Godse boasted about plans against Gandhi.
o Testimonies from witnesses confirmed the attack and Godse’s intentions.
o Bhilare Guruji recounted the incident years later, expressing regret that he wasn’t present during Gandhi’s assassination in 1948.
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The Third Attempt: September 1944, Sevagram
• Context: Gandhi was preparing to negotiate with Jinnah regarding the demand for Pakistan.
• Incident: Godse and L.G. Thatte led protests to stop Gandhi from meeting Jinnah. Godse rushed at Gandhi brandishing a dagger but was stopped and disarmed by Ashram residents.
• Outcome: Godse was handed over to the police. Witness accounts confirmed the attempt on Gandhi’s life.
• Further Notes:
o A gang leader openly stated that Gandhi would eventually be killed, indicating the seriousness of their intent.
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The Fourth Attempt: June 29, 1946, En Route to Poona
• Context: Gandhi was traveling to Poona.
• Incident: The train known as the “Gandhi Special” encountered boulders placed on the tracks, intended to derail it.
• Outcome: The train was damaged, but tragedy was averted due to the driver’s quick action.
• Further Notes:
o Police suggested sabotage, as there were no scheduled goods trains on that route. Gandhi later remarked on the many attempts on his life, asserting his intention to live to 125.
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The Fifth Attempt: January 20, 1948, New Delhi
• Context: Gandhi was conducting an evening prayer meeting at Birla House.
• Incident: A bomb was detonated behind Gandhi during the meeting.
• Outcome: The bomber, Madanlal Pahwa, was arrested immediately and confessed that the explosion was part of a murder attempt.
• Further Notes:
o This incident, along with other threats and warnings regarding Gandhi’s safety, highlights the ongoing peril he faced.
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Final Assassination: January 30, 1948
• Incident: Nathuram Godse successfully assassinated Gandhi by shooting him three times at point-blank range during a prayer meeting.
• Further Context: The assassination followed a series of failed attempts, emphasizing the intensity of opposition Gandhi faced during his life.
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Sources Referenced:
• Pyarelal’s Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase
• Tendulkar’s Mahatma
• Jagan Phadnis’ Mahatmya Chi Akher (The End of the Mahatma)
• Book: Let’s Kill Gandhi, chapter VI, with permission from Tushar Gandhi.