Rajiv Gandhi, the sixth Prime Minister of India, was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election rally in Tamil Nadu near Madras. The incident occurred when a woman, identified as Dhanu, approached him under the guise of seeking an autograph. As she bent down to touch his feet, she detonated an explosive device concealed under her clothing, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that claimed Gandhi's life and injured numerous bystanders. The attack was orchestrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization seeking an independent Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. Gandhi's earlier actions, including his support for the Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka and his perceived alienation of the Tamil people, had turned many against him, making him a target of the LTTE.

The aftermath of the assassination was immediate and profound, prompting extensive security operations across India and leading to a significant crackdown on terrorist organizations. It had far-reaching consequences for the region's political landscape and India's engagement in Sri Lankan affairs. Rajiv Gandhi's assassination also marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics as it was a significant turning point leading to a shift in public perception regarding security and terrorism. With his death, his party, the Indian National Congress, had to navigate a complex political environment while facing questions about governance and national security.

The implications of his assassination were felt well beyond India's borders, highlighting the dangers of political violence and terrorism, while urging governments worldwide to reassess their counter-terrorism strategies. This tragic event became a historical marker, leading to increased vigilance regarding political assassinations and the safety of public figures.