On the fateful day of January 30, 1948, at Birla House in New Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi met his tragic end, assassinated by Nathuram Godse. However, the narrative is far from straightforward, with a series of events leading up to the assassination raising questions and fostering conspiracy theories.
1. Multiple Attempts on Gandhi's Life:
- Godse's successful attempt on Gandhi's life was not his first. Two previous attempts in 1944 and a failed plot in January 1948 demonstrated a persistent threat.
2. Police Awareness and Inaction:
- Astonishingly, the police seemed aware of the plot, with 60 opportunities to apprehend Godse between January 20 and 30. The question arises: why was he not arrested earlier?
3. Herbert Reiner Jr's Role:
- American navy officer Herbert Reiner Jr's presence raises eyebrows. Arriving at the scene, he apprehended Godse swiftly. The circumstances surrounding his involvement and quick reaction invite speculation.
4. The Speedy Trial and Hanging:
- Godse's trial was shrouded in secrecy, with no thorough investigation conducted. The haste in hanging him within 22 months prompts questions about the urgency and the lack of transparency.
5. Nehru's Ascension to Power:
- Gandhi's assassination dramatically altered the political landscape. Nehru, not the top leader in Congress, suddenly emerged as its undisputed leader. The 1946 Congress president election anomaly and his subsequent declaration as President pose intriguing questions.
6. Mountbatten's Influence:
- Lord Mountbatten's arrival in India, his friendship with Nehru, and the haphazard decision of partition raise suspicions. Was there a hidden agenda, possibly linked to British interests in Pakistan and the control of oil-rich regions?
7. Coincidences or Manipulation?
- Nehru's rapid rise to power post-Gandhi's death, Congress becoming his personal fiefdom, and the demise of potential political rivals like Hindu Mahasabha spark speculation. Were these mere coincidences, or was there a grander design at play?
8. Unanswered Questions:
- Many questions linger: Was Gandhi being blackmailed? Why the secrecy in the court proceedings? What role did other players, known or unknown, have in shaping this historical turning point?
In the aftermath of Gandhi's assassination, a complex web of events unfolded, shaping the course of Indian history. Unraveling the mysteries surrounding that tragic day requires a closer examination of the players involved and the circumstances that led to one of the most significant political assassinations in modern history.
