Video: 'The Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi'

(Wednesday, January 30, 1948, 5:17 p.m. IST) — Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas Gandhi, 78, was shot three times at point-blank range today on his way to prayer in the compound of Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), a large mansion in central New Delhi, by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist.

Gandhi, mortally wounded, was carried back into the house, where he was soon pronounced dead.

Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi had led India to independence of British rule and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world

Godse and a co-conspirator were later executed.

Video: 'Mahatma Gandhi-Documentary'