Mahatma Gandhi, the famed Indian activist whose campaign of nonviolent resistance led to India’s independence from British rule, left his home at the Biria House in New Delhi, India with his grandnieces late in the afternoon on Jan. 30, 1948, when he was approached by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse. At 5:17 p.m., Godse fired three shots into Gandhi’s chest. Some accounts claimed Gandhi died instantly, while others said he was taken inside the house where he died 30 minutes later. Gandhi’s death was mourned nationwide.
Godse did not attempt to flee and surrendered at the scene. It was later revealed he was linked to the extremist Hindu Mahasabha political party. At his trial, Godse said he assassinated Gandhi because of his “complacency towards Muslims.” Godse was found guilty and executed in 1949. Gandhi’s death was mourned nationwide.
