Inside the Hospital: The Shocking Moment When India’s Prime Minister Was Assassinated
Indira Gandhi’s Assassination: A Day of Chaos and Emergency Response at AIIMS
On a seemingly routine morning in late 1984, Sneh Bhargava, the newly appointed director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), was navigating her first day in office. However, the mundane turned catastrophic when a frantic radiographer burst into her office, announcing that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had been shot. What transpired at AIIMS that day would forever alter India’s political landscape and change the lives of those who experienced it firsthand.
The Arrival of Indira Gandhi
As Sneh Bhargava rushed to the casualty department, panic enveloped the hospital. She witnessed the distress etched on the faces of Mrs. Gandhi’s aides and family members. Upon entering the casualty area, she faced the grim reality of a national crisis—Indira Gandhi was lying there, her saffron sari soaked in blood, while her daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi could only utter the haunting words, "She has been shot." With no pulse detected, the urgency became clear: the Prime Minister needed immediate medical intervention.
Emergency Response Measures
Realizing the potential crowd surge in the wake of the news, Bhargava, along with other senior medical staff, quickly mobilized. They devised a two-fold response plan to ensure both medical care for Mrs. Gandhi and security for the hospital.
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Surgical Preparation:
- Dr. P. Venugopal and Dr. M.M. Kapur were summoned to conduct emergency surgery.
- Bhargava emphasized the need to move Gandhi to the operating theatre promptly to manage her critical condition.
- Security Protocols:
- Anticipating an influx of mourners and media, the AIIMS staff prevented unnecessary access to the casualty area.
- Elective surgeries were canceled to ensure all staff were available to respond to the emergency.
A Chaotic Scene in the Operating Theatre
Once Mrs. Gandhi was transferred to the eighth-floor operating theatre, the grim reality became evident. Despite the ongoing efforts, it was soon revealed just how grave her injuries were. She had been shot 33 times—bullets wreaked havoc on her internal organs, leading to significant blood loss. The medical team worked frantically to save her:
- Blood transfusions began immediately, but Mrs. Gandhi’s rare blood type complicated matters.
- Health staff mobilized resources, searching for O negative blood as a stopgap measure.
However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Even with blood being pumped into her body, the damage was irreversible, and chaos ensued in the operating room, underscoring the seriousness of the moment.
The Political Fallout
As the news circulated, the political ramifications of Mrs. Gandhi’s assassination began to unfold, leading to rioting in some parts of the country. The situation at AIIMS was precarious not just because of medical emergencies, but also the looming threat of violence against Sikhs in retaliation for the assassination. Here are some notable actions taken to manage this crisis:
- Keeping the violence outside AIIMS contained was paramount.
- All unnecessary personnel were kept at bay to ensure the safety of both the staff and patients.
- Security protocols were heightened as political figures began to arrive at the hospital.
Aware that they had to maintain a façade of hope, the medical team withheld the truth about Gandhi’s condition until her family members could arrive. This chaotic and suspenseful atmosphere was a testament to the gravity of the situation.
Aftermath and Embalming Procedures
Around 4:00 PM, as bodily responses ebbed and flowed, the medical team faced a new challenge: preparing Mrs. Gandhi’s body for the public view. With the assurance that the political vacuum would not be left unfilled, measures were taken for the handling of her remains.
- Despite efforts to embalm the body, they were only partially successful.
- A cooling mattress was utilized to maintain a semblance of dignity for her remains until the body could be moved for public viewing.
As the day intensified and the political landscape shifted rapidly with Rajiv Gandhi poised to take over, the actions of the AIIMS staff reflected not only their commitment as medical professionals but also their awareness of the broader implications of their work—both on a personal and national level.
Indira Gandhi’s assassination marked a pivotal moment in Indian history. The events of that day at AIIMS exemplified the frontlines of healthcare amidst chaos, the unpredictability of political events, and the profound impact on human lives.
In reflecting on this harrowing event, Sneh Bhargava’s account preserves a crucial chapter of Indian history. It serves as a reminder of the human experience behind the headlines, highlighting the intersection of health, politics, and the unexpected nature of crisis management.
