Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Remembering Rajiv Gandhi's Assassination in Madras 34 Years Later
On a hot night in 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during an election rally in Sriperumbudur.
A suicide bomber, linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), was responsible.
The assassination shocked the city of Madras (now Chennai), leading to a sense of disbelief and then grief.
The event changed India's political landscape and has been revisited in films and media.
Memorials and reflections on the event continue to this day, marking a tragic moment in history.
Rajiv Gandhi, former Indian Prime Minister, was assassinated in 1991.
The assassination took place during an election rally in Sriperumbudur.
A suicide bomber was responsible for the attack.
The LTTE was allegedly involved in the assassination.
The event caused shock and led to reflection on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.
- Who
- Rajiv Gandhi (victim), with LTTE alleged as conspirators
- What
- Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi
- When
- May 21, 1991
- Where
- Sriperumbudur, near Madras (Chennai)
- Why
- Motive linked to the Sri Lankan Tamil conflict and LTTE.
- Date of Assassination
- May 21, 1991
- Location
- Sriperumbudur, near Madras (Chennai)
- Victim
- Former Prime Minister of India
- Alleged Perpetrators
- LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)
- Method
- Suicide bombing