The real-life investigator behind the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, DR Karthikeyan, revealed surprising challenges during the probe, including attempts by the former Prime Minister’s own loyalists to manipulate the investigation.
Bringing a Tragic Event to the Screen
The 1991 assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi remains a significant event in India’s history. This tragic incident, carried out by a suicide bomber and later attributed to operatives of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), is now the subject of a streaming series titled “The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.”
Director Nagesh Kukunoor’s series features actor Amit Sial in the role of DR Karthikeyan, the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with uncovering the truth. While the show focuses on the investigation, Karthikeyan himself has spoken about the immense pressures he faced.
A High-Stakes Mission
In a past interview, DR Karthikeyan shared details about taking on the investigation. He acknowledged the significant personal risk involved, describing it as a “no-win situation” where success was not guaranteed and failure could be catastrophic.
Despite the daunting nature of the task and the reluctance of many others to accept the responsibility, Karthikeyan viewed it as a vital service to the nation. His commitment was unwavering, driven by a desire to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Uncovering Internal Obstacles
Perhaps the most startling revelation from Karthikeyan’s account was the “disappointing” internal interference he encountered. He stated that there were numerous attempts to “derail and manipulate” the investigation from within.
Karthikeyan asserted his firm stance against any political interference, insisting on a purely evidence-based probe. He expressed his dismay at discovering that “even those who claimed to be his loyalists” were more interested in implicating political opponents rather than genuinely seeking the truth about who killed the charismatic leader.
A Legacy of Unwavering Evidence
Despite these internal pressures, Karthikeyan maintained the integrity of the investigation. He emphasized his pride in securing convictions in the Gandhi assassination case, attributing this success to the presentation of irrefutable hard evidence to the courts.
DR Karthikeyan’s distinguished career later saw him serve as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a testament to his dedication and ethical approach to law enforcement.
- The real-life investigator faced significant personal risk leading the Rajiv Gandhi assassination probe.
- Internal interference, including attempts to derail and manipulate the investigation, was a major challenge.
- Even purported loyalists tried to implicate political opponents rather than focus on true perpetrators.
- The case ultimately secured convictions due to the presentation of hard, undisputed evidence.
The streaming series “The Hunt” aims to provide viewers with a detailed, ringside view of this complex and historically significant investigation, often drawing praise for its faithful adherence to the factual events.
