The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, former prime minister of India, occurred as a result of a suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, India on 21 May 1991.[2] At least 14 others, in addition to Gandhi and the assassin, were killed.[3] It was carried out by 22-year-old Kalaivani Rajaratnam (popularly known by her assumed names Thenmozhi Rajaratnam and Dhanu),[4][1][5] a member of the banned Sri Lankan Tamil separatist rebel organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). At the time, India had just ended its involvement, through the Indian Peace Keeping Force, in the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi Part of the spillover of the Sri Lankan civil war
Seven pillars surround the site of the blast, at the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial in Sriperumbudur Location Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India Coordinates Date 21 May 1991; 34 years ago 10:10 pm (IST) Target Rajiv Gandhi Attack type Suicide bombing Weapons RDX explosive-laden belt Deaths 16 (including Rajiv Gandhi and the perpetrator) Injured 43 Victims At least 57 others Perpetrator Kalaivani Rajaratnam (popularly known by her assumed names Thenmozhi Rajaratnam and Dhanu)[1] Accused Kalaivani Rajaratnam
Remains of clothing worn by Rajiv Gandhi during his assassination
The stone mosaic that stands at the location where Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur Subsequent accusations of conspiracy have been addressed by two commissions of inquiry and have brought down at least one national government, the government of Inder Kumar Gujral.[6][7]
