Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Rajiv Gandhi Survives Two Gunfire Attempts at Rajghat
On October 3, 1986, someone tried to shoot Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at Rajghat.
Gandhi was not hurt.
The attacker fired twice, about 50 minutes apart.
He reportedly hid behind plants growing over a concrete canopy near the entrance to the Samadhi.
A cartridge burst after it was fired, and five people got small cuts.
The attacker reportedly surrendered.
Police said he gave different names, and they were still trying to learn who he really was.
On October 3, 1986, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi escaped an attempt on his life at Rajghat.
An assailant fired at Gandhi twice in about 50 minutes.
The gunman reportedly fired from behind creepers covering the concrete canopy at the Samadhi entrance.
Five people received minor cuts when a cartridge burst after being fired.
Police said the gunman gave different names, including Manmohan Desai and Karamjit Singh, and investigators had not confirmed his identity.
- Who
- Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and an assailant whose identity was unconfirmed.
- What
- An assailant fired at Gandhi twice; Gandhi escaped unharmed, while five people received minor cuts from a cartridge that burst.
- When
- October 3, 1986; the two shots were fired about 50 minutes apart.
- Where
- Rajghat, at the entrance to the Samadhi.
- Why
- The articles do not state the assailant's motive.
- Date
- October 3, 1986
- Target
- Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
- Location
- Rajghat
- Shots
- Two, fired about 50 minutes apart
- Injuries
- Five people received minor cuts
- Reported hiding place
- Behind creepers covering the concrete canopy at the Samadhi entrance
- Names given by the gunman
- Manmohan Desai and Karamjit Singh
- Identity status
- Investigators were still unsure of his real identity