GANDHI SURVIVES ATTACK

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1934, Page 7

GANDHI SURVIVES ATTACK

CAR SMASHED BY CROWD

ONE OF FOLLOWERS INJURED CLASHES AMONG FACTIONS DESIRE TO “WALK ALONE” By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Calcutta, April 26. A crowd of orthodox Hindus, known as Sanatanists, who opposed Gandhi’s campaign for the emancipation of the depressed classes, attacked a car in which he was driving to Deogarh, Bihar. The Hindus smashed the car with sticks, injuring one of Gandhi’s followers. Gandhi escaped flying glass.

When Gandhi arrived at Buxar earlier in the day Sanatanists attempted to stage a hostile demonstration, but a crowd of “Untouchables” rushed to protect Gandhi. A clash ensued and six were sent to hospital. Gandhi later apologised to the Sanatanists, saying that he had instructed his Untouchable friends henceforth not to take steps to protect him. “I will walk alone, so that the Sanatanists may kill me if they like,” he said. “I would rather die than abandon the movement. I have so far survived five or six attacks on my life.”