The Enigma of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Death: Who Profited?
On the fateful night of 11th January 1966, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri was found dead in his hotel room in Tashkent, USSR (now Kazakhstan). The circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery, with many questions surrounding the validity of his reported heart attack as the cause of death. This article delves into the possible beneficiaries of Shastri’s demise and explores the conspiracy theories that still circulate today.
The Context: An Insufficient Post-Mortem
The autopsy was conducted so hastily that no post-mortem was performed at all, and Shastri's body was cremated immediately upon arrival back in India. According to the Raj Narain Inquiry, no valid conclusions could be drawn. Additionally, the parliamentary library lacks records of the inquiry, raising suspicions about the integrity of the investigation.
Medical Evidence and Suspicions
Shastri had no recorded history of heart trouble, yet his death was attributed to a sudden heart attack. This raises questions about the authenticity of the diagnosis. Moreover, Shastri was continuously pointing to a glass from which he had drunk milk before going to sleep, and his personal belongings, except for that glass, were brought back to India. This glass was reportedly destroyed, leading many to suspect foul play.
Physical Evidence and Circumstances
Physical evidence such as cut marks on Shastri's body and rumors of his organs being removed after death is another point of concern. The isolation of the room he was staying in, without a phone, further adds to the intrigue. These peculiarities led many to believe that Shastri’s organs were removed to prevent a thorough post-mortem examination.
Who Benefited from His Death?
1. Indira Gandhi: Indira Gandhi, once a non-entity in Indian politics, abruptly became the Prime Minister upon Shastri's death. This provided a powerful platform for her to establish the Gandhi dynasty, which continues to have a significant impact on Indian politics.
2. The Rise of the Communists: The death of Shastri led to a rise in communist influence in India. They gained strength and took control of educational and cultural institutions, altering the country's ideological landscape.
3. Creation of PSUs: Following his death, a number of public sector undertakings (PSUs) were established. This was another indirect benefit, as these PSUs became significant players in India's economic sector.
The circumstances surrounding the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri continue to captivate historians and political analysts. While the official line remains that it was a heart attack, the evidence and subsequent events suggest a more complex story. The questions raised about the official investigation and the sudden rise of Indira Gandhi highlight the significance of understanding historical events thoroughly.