When Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse, India had not yet been independent for six months and was still experiencing violent intercommunal conflict as a result of Partition. A fanatical Hindu named Godse accused him of “continuous and consistent pandering to Muslims.” Godse, a Brahmin from Poona (now Pune) and a member of the Hindu Mahasabha, claimed in a later interview that Gandhi’s “final pro-Muslim fast” had also incited him, leading him to believe that Gandhi’s life should be ended right away. On January 13, 1948, Gandhi began this fast in order to press the newly established Government of India to deliver the funds owed to Pakistan.
The news of the assassination has had a profound effect throughout the world. Mahatma Gandhi was shot and killed this evening by a Hindu fanatic. He was walking from Birla House to the lawn where his evening prayer meetings are held and was several minutes late for the meeting. He was as usual, leaning on the shoulders of two grand nieces, and when he approached the meeting a man dressed in a khaki bush jacket and blue trousers and standing within five feet of Gandhi greeted him with the customary Hindu salutation of namesteh – that is; with folded hands.
Nathuram Godse was beaten by crowd
The man, who gave his name as Nathuram, fired a fourth shot, apparently in an effort to kill himself, but a Royal Indian Air Force sergeant standing alongside jolted his arm and wrenched the pistol away. The sergeant wanted to shoot the man but was stopped by the police. An infuriated crowd fell upon the man and beat him with sticks, but he was apprehended by the police and taken to a police station.
Questioned by reporters, the man, who speaks English, said he was not sorry he had killed Gandhi but would explain his reasons in court. His origin is still obscure, but he is said to be a Brahmin, and according to one report, comes from Poona.
Pistol Used
The pistol he used was a 38 calibre Biretta of Italian manufacture; scores of these weapons were captured from the Italians in North Africa and smuggled back to India by Indian soldiers. The man is a fair-skinned individual of medium height and spare build aged about 30.
The Last breath
News of Gandhi’s death was announced by the All-India Radio at six o’clock and a crowd of several thousands immediately gathered at Birla House. The crowd was tense but subdued, and its mood appeared to be one of stunned sorrow.
