Hindutva Terrorism: The Legacy of Gandhi’s Assassin

In the annals of Indian history, there stands a pivotal moment when a single act of violence shattered the nascent dreams of a free nation. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, was assassinated in Delhi while attending his evening prayer meeting. The perpetrator, Nathuram Godse, approached him closely and fired three bullets at point-blank range. As Gandhi collapsed, uttering “Hey Ram,” the world lost a beacon of non-violence. This was not merely the murder of a man; it was India’s first major act of terrorism in its independent era. Godse was no lone fanatic—he was deeply embedded in an ideological movement known as Hindutva, which envisioned a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation). This movement, alive and evolving today, has spawned what many term as “Hindutva terror.” This article weaves a narrative of its origins, manifestations, and contemporary implications, drawing from historical events and recent developments.

Historical Roots: The Foundations of Hindutva and the RSS

The ideology of Hindutva was formalized in the 1920s by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who coined the term in his treatise. Savarkar argued that India belonged exclusively to Hindus, viewing Muslims and Christians as “foreign” elements that needed to be purged or subjugated. To operationalize this vision, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The RSS began training Hindu youth in physical drills, weapon handling, and an ethos of Hindu supremacy, fostering a paramilitary-style organization.

Godse, influenced by the RSS though formally affiliated with the Hindu Mahasabha, saw Gandhi as a traitor for advocating partition and financial aid to Pakistan. His trial statement vilified Gandhi as an enemy of Hindus. The assassination was no isolated plot; it involved conspirators like Narayan Apte and Vishnu Karkare. In the aftermath, the RSS was briefly banned, but the prohibition was lifted soon after. This event marked the genesis of Hindutva terrorism, a shadow that has lingered and grown over decades.

The Nanded Blast: Unveiling a New Face of Hindutva Terror

Fast-forward to April 6, 2006, in Nanded, Maharashtra: A blast rocked the home of Laxman Rajkondwar, a long-time RSS activist. His son and another Sangh worker perished in the explosion. Investigations revealed they were assembling bombs intended for use against Muslim targets. This incident exposed the underbelly of Hindutva groups like Abhinav Bharat and Sanatan Sanstha, involved in bomb-making, arms training, and attacks on minorities.

Far from accidental, the Nanded blast was part of a broader conspiracy to establish a Hindu Rashtra. It paved the way for revelations about similar activities, highlighting how these groups operated with impunity, often under the radar of mainstream discourse.

2008 Malegaon Blasts: From Arrests to Acquittals

One of the most infamous episodes unfolded on September 29, 2008, in Malegaon, Maharashtra, where a bomb exploded near a mosque, killing six and injuring over 100. Initially blamed on Muslim extremists, probes by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) shifted focus to Hindutva-linked individuals. Key arrests included Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a BJP politician, and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, an army officer, accused of supplying explosives and orchestrating the attack through Abhinav Bharat.

The case dragged on for years, marked by twists in investigations and political pressures. In a stunning development in July 2025, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court acquitted all accused, citing insufficient evidence. This verdict has polarized opinions: Supporters hail it as the debunking of the “Hindu terror” narrative, while critics decry it as a failure of the investigative and prosecutorial system, pointing to institutional biases and lapses in evidence gathering. Political circles exploit it variably—some as vindication, others as evidence of systemic weaknesses that undermine justice.

Samjhauta Express and Other Blasts: International Connections

February 2007 brought terror to the Samjhauta Express, a train linking India and Pakistan. Bombs killed 68 people, mostly Pakistanis. Linked to Hindutva groups like Abhinav Bharat—inspired by Savarkar—the attack aimed to frame Muslims and escalate communal tensions. The book details how these outfits maintain international networks, with Hindutva supporters in the US and Israel funneling funds and arms.

Similar patterns emerged in the 2007 Ajmer Sharif dargah blast and the Hyderabad Mecca Masjid explosion, where 14 died. These targeted Muslim sites, with initial blame on Islamists, but investigations under ATS chief Hemant Karkare uncovered Hindutva involvement. Tragically, Karkare was killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, fueling conspiracy theories.

Hindutva Ideology: Justifying Violence and the Fear of the RSS

At its core, Hindutva legitimizes violence if it serves the Hindu Rashtra. A chapter on “Legitimate Violence and Terrorism” explores how the RSS maintains a soft stance toward groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba while training its own in terror tactics. The organization dreads a “terror tag,” which could dismantle its political influence.

Heart-wrenching stories abound, like that of Krishna Gopal Rastogi, an RSS worker who showed no mercy during attacks on Muslim neighborhoods, even toward a young girl. These incidents illustrate how Hindutva terror extends beyond bombs to everyday incitement of hatred.

State, Investigative Agencies, and Media: Where Narratives Are Forged

Throughout this saga, three powerful actors—the state, investigative agencies, and media—shape the narrative. Critics argue that institutional biases, premature ideological assumptions, and lax evidence collection weaken cases, leading to acquittals after years of trials. On the flip side, some claim the “Hindu terror” label is a political ploy to defame a ideology. The truth lies in between: While ideological extremism must be addressed seriously, the objectivity of legal processes is paramount to prevent the erosion of justice. Examples of varying outcomes—convictions in some cases, full acquittals in others—highlight this volatility.

Conclusion: India’s Future and a Recommendation

Hindutva terrorism poses a grave threat to India’s secular democracy, targeting minorities and undermining Gandhi’s vision of unity. Unity against hatred is essential to build a peaceful society.

This detailed narrative draws heavily from an insightful book: “Godse’s Children: Hindutva Terror in India” by Subhash Gatade. It’s a comprehensive resource with excellent details on the subject. If you’re keen to delve deeper, I highly recommend reading it—it not only informs but provokes critical thought.