Assassination of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati: A Controversial Case and 15 years of long Quest for Justice

Phulbani, Odisha – On August 23, 2008, a peaceful spiritual gathering at the Jaleshpata Hermitage in Odisha’s Kandhamal district was shattered by a brutal act of violence. Vedanta Keshari Swami Laxmananda Saraswati, a revered Hindu monk, along with four of his followers, was assassinated by a group of assailants, triggering a wave of communal violence across the region. The killing of Swami Laxmananda, who had dedicated his life to social reform and tribal welfare, has since remained a deeply contentious issue, embroiling religious tensions and raising serious questions about law enforcement and political accountability in the state.

The Night of Terror

It was Janmashtami, a day sacred to Hindus, when the swami and his followers were engaged in a spiritual discourse at the Jaleshpata Ashram. As the evening progressed, a mob of around 30 masked men, armed with guns and axes, stormed the ashram, mercilessly killing the 84-year-old swami and his followers. The attackers, not content with simply shooting their victims, reportedly mutilated the swami’s body, severing his leg joints and wrists in a gruesome display of violence. The murder sent shockwaves across the state and nation, leading to widespread communal unrest. In the aftermath, at least 38 people lost their lives in the violence. 

The Investigation and Convictions

The Odisha Police quickly attributed the murders to Maoist insurgents, and over the following months, a number of arrests were made. In January 2009, the police filed a charge sheet against seven individuals, all of whom were convicted on Monday by Special Additional District Session Judge R.K. Tose. The court found Duryodhan Suna Majhi, Munda Bada Majhi, Sanatan Bada Majhi, Garnatha Chalanseth, Bijay Kumar Samseth, Bhaskar Suna Majhi, and Budhadev Nayak guilty of murder, with the quantum of their sentence to be pronounced on October 3. The convicts were reportedly part of a mob of about 50 people who had attacked the swami and his aides. Notably, two of the men were also convicted under the Indian Arms Act for possession of illegal firearms. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies, as recounted by prosecution lawyer Bhagaban Mohanty.

Religious and Political Undercurrents

The case has been fraught with religious and political undertones from the outset. The convicted individuals are all Christians, and it was argued in court that the attack was motivated by the belief that Swami Laxmananda was forcibly converting Christians to Hinduism. However, the situation is more complex, as intelligence inputs and statements from Maoist leaders suggest a deeper conspiracy, possibly involving Christian missionaries who were allegedly funding Maoist activities in the region. Swami Laxmananda had long been a thorn in the side of Christian missionary groups due to his efforts to combat conversions and promote tribal welfare in Kandhamal. Prior to the fatal attack, he had survived nine assassination attempts, with each one believed to have been orchestrated by missionary groups.

The Controversy Continues

Despite the convictions, many believe that the true masterminds behind the assassination remain at large. The Odisha government, under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has been criticized for its handling of the case. Two commissions of inquiry were set up to investigate the murder, but the findings have not been made public, fueling suspicions of a cover-up. Ashok Sahu, a senior BJP leader and former police officer, has alleged that the conspiracy to kill Laxmananda was hatched in a meeting of Christian missionaries in Kandhamal, just weeks before the murder. However, these allegations have yet to be fully investigated, and the ongoing inquiry by the state crime branch has so far failed to establish a clear link between the missionaries and the Maoists involved in the attack.

In a recent statement, Mahesh Sahu, the General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Odisha, emphasized the need for immediate justice for the killing of Swamiji. Sahu highlighted that, "When Swamiji was alive, he mentioned some persons’ names saying they might kill him. Those persons have not been included in the purview of the investigation. The previous 24-year-long government did nothing. Without testing the patience of the Hindus, justice should immediately be provided to Swamiji." He criticized the prolonged inaction and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Echoing these sentiments, Priyanath Sharma, the eastern region head of VHP, stated, "Those who killed Swamiji and those who spent money have not been arrested. If CBI investigates, the real culprits will be arrested." Kandhamal MP Sukant Panigrahi also expressed his commitment to pushing for a comprehensive investigation. He mentioned that he has already approached the Home Minister with evidence against the accused and expects a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe soon. Panigrahi assured that he will ensure both state and central governments are involved in initiating the investigation. The calls for justice and accountability continue to grow, reflecting a strong demand for action in the case.

A Legacy of Social Reform

Swami Laxmananda Saraswati’s legacy as a social reformer and protector of tribal rights remains intact, despite the controversy surrounding his death. Born in 1924 in Anugul district, he spent much of his life in service to the downtrodden, working to uplift the tribal communities of Kandhamal and resisting the efforts of Christian missionaries to convert them. His work embodied the principle of "Manava Seva is Madhava Seva" (Service to mankind is service to God), and his dedication to the cause of the motherland continues to inspire many.