“I aimed twice and fired three times.” Why were three bullets fired at Gandhi?

On the evening of January 30, 1948, a tragic event occurred in India's capital that changed the course of history and stole the pure soul of Mahatma Gandhi. Shortly after 5 p.m. on that fateful day, the nation was plunged into grief and the world was stunned. The media worldwide reported on this heartbreaking incident with sadness and trauma.

Over the past two years, India has been rocked by violence following the traumatic partition between its largest ethnic groups, Hindus and Muslims. Mahatma Gandhi, once a revered figure, had become a target of hostility for some and was blamed for the partition of the country.

Amid the turmoil, Gandhi's calls for peace became more urgent. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel were at odds, with both considering resignation as the situation spiraled out of control. Gandhi's appeal for unity was more important than ever.

HOW JANUARY 30 BECAME A TRAGIC TIME

On January 30, Gandhi left his room for his usual prayer meeting, accompanied by his nieces Ava Ben and Manu Ben, who supported him as he walked.

A large crowd awaited him, but on that day no one was appointed to clear the way for him. As Gandhi took the stage, he paused briefly to speak to his assistant, Gurbachan Singh.

While Gandhi was continuing his usual greeting gesture, he was suddenly met by Nathuram Godse, who had secretly positioned himself in the crowd. Godse fired three bullets into Gandhi's chest. As Gandhi fell, his last words were “He Ram”.

In a shocking revelation from the original verdict, Nathuram Godse described in detail the horrific moments that led to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

In his statement, Godse confessed: “I approached Gandhi not out of respect but to ensure that I was at the right distance. After removing the safety of my pistol, I intended to fire twice from close range so as to cause as little injury as possible to passers-by. However, in the heat of the moment, I fired three times. This was followed by an intense silence. Overwhelmed by the excitement, I then shouted, 'Police, police, come!'

This terrifying report sheds light on the tragic and chaotic events of that fateful day.

Supporters quickly overpowered Godse and a local security guard hit him on the head. Despite the attack, Godse remained defiant, declaring, “Even if you hit my head, I will not resist.” He was promptly arrested by the police.

Gandhi's bloodied body was brought inside while a stunned crowd waited outside. Doctors examined him and confirmed the worst: Mahatma was dead.

Gandhi's body was laid on the ground, the lights were dimmed and oil lamps were lit. People gathered around him, reciting from the Gita and singing bhajans.

His body was washed, dressed in khadi and laid on a high table for a final lying in state. The doors had to be closed because of the overwhelming crowd, but people continued to come, even on a bitterly cold night. Nehru wept openly.

Jawaharlal Nehru later lamented in his address to the nation: “The light has gone out of our lives.”

PISTOL 'BERETTA 606824'

The Beretta pistol 606824 used in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was a crucial piece of evidence in that tragic event. Nathuram Godse used this very weapon on that fateful day.

The police quickly seized the pistol and found that it still contained four bullets after the fatal shooting. Key witnesses including Sardar Gurbachan Singh, ASI Amarnath, Nandlal Mehta, FC Rattan Singh and EC Charan Singh gave important statements regarding the recovery of the firearm.

Their statements confirmed that the gun was immediately taken from Godse's hand on the day of the assassination and confiscated by the authorities.

Godse initially struggled with a less reliable weapon and travelled to Gwalior along with Narayan Apte, who was in charge of logistics, to procure a more reliable revolver.

On January 28, arms dealer Gangadhar Dandwate sold the Beretta at Parchure's residence in Gwalior.

Godse and Apte carefully examined the pistol, loaded it with seven cartridges and checked the safety to ensure that it was working properly. Apte paid Dandwate Rs 300 and promised to settle the remaining Rs 200 later in statements from Godse and Apte.

What was in the medical report

In the hours after the assassination, investigators began collecting evidence from the crime scene. Two police officers, FC Rattan Singh and Jaswant Singh, took control and found two spent cartridge cases, two fired bullets and a blood-stained shoulder strap from the prayer platform where Gandhi lay.

A medical examination of Gandhi's body was conducted by Colonel DL Taneja, a doctor at the Civil Hospital, New Delhi. He submitted his report at 8 a.m. on January 31, 1948. The report contained the following details:

Gandhi's right chest was hit by a bullet near the fourth intercostal space, resulting in a severe injury with no external wound, suggesting that the bullet lodged in the body.

In addition, there were two stab wounds on the right side of the abdomen: one near the seventh intercostal space and the other above the navel. These wounds were also caused by bullets that exited near Gandhi's back, causing separate injuries.

On January 31, 1948, the day after Gandhi's assassination, a huge funeral procession was organized in New Delhi. His body was carried on a simple wooden platform, followed by millions of mourners who lined the streets, weeping and chanting prayers. Millions of people gathered to bid farewell to Bapu.