The two men who killed mahatma gandhi, Nathuram Godse, and Narayan Apte, were hanged in the Ambala Central Jail before dawn on november 15, 1949. Their remains were not given to their families following their executions due to a wave of secrecy and governmental discretion, which raised issues that have lingered for decades.
 
Godse, who had shot gandhi dead on january 30, 1948, was said to have chanted "Akhand Bharat" (Undivided India) as he walked to the gallows just before he died. Another conspirator, Apte, mirrored this idea by endorsing his acts with the phrase "Amar Rahe" (Long Live). But in the latter moments of their lives, Apte seemed calmer and Godse more solemn.

Despite the wishes of their relatives, Godse and Apte's remains were not sent to their family almost soon after their killings. Rather, the final rites were carried out by the Ambala jail officials themselves, who were directly instructed to do so by the government at the time. The ashes were eventually submerged in the River Ghaggar, out of the public eye, after the remains were secretly burned. The purpose of this action was to stop extremist organizations or others who supported the assassins' cause from using the bodies as symbols of martyrs.
 
The political and social environment of india after independence had a major role in the decision to not release the bodies. The administration was anxious to prevent any more instability since the nation was still dealing with the painful effects of Partition. To keep the dead from serving as focal points for radical or nationalist groups, the government made sure they were incinerated in secrecy. Maintaining public peace and avoiding the death of those responsible for planning Gandhi's assassination were the key objectives.
 
On the day of the execution, eyewitnesses described a range of conflicting emotional states. Apte was stoic in his last hours, whereas Godse seemed quiet and contemplative. The Life and Death of mahatma gandhi by Robert Paine claims that Apte remained composed during the proceedings and was referred to as an "ideal prisoner" who even penned a book on indian philosophy while incarcerated.

Although it did not happen instantly, both men were hung at the same time. Godse took a little longer to die than Apte, who passed away nearly instantly. Before performing the last rites, the district Magistrate's staff had to see the execution and verify the deaths before taking their remains for cremation.
 
 
 

 
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SIBY JEYYA

16/11/2024 09:41 AM