The Mysterious Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri: Truth or Cover-Up?

A Prime Minister’s Mysterious End

Lal Bahadur Shastri—the name that resonates with humility, strength, and simplicity. India’s second Prime Minister, who gave us the stirring slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", left the world in a way that raised more questions than answers.
Picture this: It’s January 10, 1966. Shastriji has just signed the Tashkent Agreement, a crucial peace deal with Pakistan after a brutal war. Hours later, he is declared dead. Official cause? A heart attack. Case closed, right? Not quite. From his family’s doubts to missing autopsy reports, Cold War espionage theories, and a suspicious glass of milk—Shastriji’s death has all the elements of a political thriller. Was it natural, or was there something far more sinister at play?
Let’s dive deeper into the events of that fateful day and unravel the whispers and theories surrounding Lal Bahadur Shastriji’s death.

Governments have a long history of hiding dark secrets, and Lal Bahadur Shastri’s mysterious death is no exception. The lack of transparency surrounding his passing is eerily similar to the concealed atrocities of Unit 731 – Japan’s Secret Horror, where gruesome experiments remained buried for decades.

What Happened in Tashkent?

In 1965, India and Pakistan were engaged in a brutal war over Kashmir. To end the hostilities, international mediators arranged peace talks in Tashkent (then part of the Soviet Union). Shastriji, along with the Pakistani President Ayub Khan, signed the historic Tashkent Agreement on January 10, 1966.

The Tashkent Agreement was meant to be a moment of peace, a turning point. But for Shastriji, it turned out to be his last.
On this day, after days of tense negotiations, the agreement was finally signed. Witnesses say Shastriji looked tired, but content. He had achieved something significant for India. That night, he had dinner and returned to his room at the villa in Tashkent.
Just after midnight, the news broke—Lal Bahadur Shastri had passed away.
There were reports that he called out for help, clutching his chest. But there were no Indian doctors around. No medical records available. No one to testify to the sequence of events. His doctor, R.N. Chugh was not allowed to conduct a full examination.
From the very start, the details were foggy.

The Official Explanation vs. Unofficial Theories

The government declared it a heart attack. Simple. Clean.
But then came the questions. If it was a heart attack, why wasn’t a post-mortem conducted? Why were the reports sealed?
Shastriji’s family, especially his sons—Anil and Sunil—have always maintained that his death was suspicious. They asked for a thorough investigation. But no concrete answers ever followed.
Eyewitnesses from that night gave conflicting statements. Some said they saw blue patches on his body. Others mentioned frothing at the mouth. All signs that, medically, could point to poisoning.
Still, there was no transparency. No closure.

Despite the official statement that Shastriji died of a heart attack, several theories suggest foul play. Let’s dive into the most talked-about possibilities: 

1. Poisoning Allegations

One of the most prominent theories is that Shastriji was poisoned. His family, particularly his wife, Lalita Shastri, raised suspicions. She claimed that he had never shown signs of severe health issues and was in good spirits after the Tashkent Agreement. She also pointed out that there were strange blue marks on his body—something that is not typically associated with a heart attack.
Adding fuel to the fire was the absence of a post-mortem examination. Why wasn’t an autopsy conducted to confirm the cause of death? Critics argue that this omission was deliberate, potentially to hide evidence of foul play.

2. The Role of the KGB and CIA

The Cold War era was flooded with spy and tradecraft, and the Tashkent Summit was no exception. Both the KGB (Soviet intelligence) and the CIA (American intelligence) were believed to be closely monitoring the talks. Some conspiracy theorists suggest that Shastriji’s death could have been planned by one of these agencies to serve their geopolitical interests. 

● Why the KGB? Some argue that the Soviet Union might have been displeased with Shastriji’s independent stance and his growing relations with the West. Some believe that global intelligence agencies like the CIA or the KGB might have had a role to play. The Cold War was at its peak. India, under Shastri, was trying to chart an independent path—neither pro-American nor pro-Soviet.. 

The KGB spy and first Chief Directorate, Vasili Nikitich Mitrokhin wrote a book: Mitrokhin Archive, unraveling all the missions operated by the Russian Intelligence KGB. Known as the best Counter Intelligence report, this book was not allowed to be published or printed in India. What could be the best possible reasons to hide this book from the citizens of India?

Mitrokhin Archive. (2020, October 30). Kreatly.in. https://kreately.in/was-shastri-murdered/

Was the Indian government hiding something? Or KGB had internal and confidential ties with Indian predators?

Maybe the intent for not giving the rights to the book for being published was to stop a civil war which could have been initiated If the civilians knew the truth.

Mitrokhin Archive. (2020, October 30). Kreatly.in. https://kreately.in/was-shastri-murdered/

● Why the CIA? For CIA to be involved in this case, there is another mystery to be solved yet. Shastiji had quite a connection with a great Indian scientist Dr. Homi J. Bhabha to develop nuclear power which CIA couldn't stand at all. This may be the reason that DR. Homi J. Bhabha died in a plane crash 13 days after the death of Shastriji's death. 

Screenshot from 13angle article “The Mystery of Tashkent” (accessed via: https://13angle.com/the-mystery-of-tashkent)

The following is a direct transcript from the archival material titled “Conversations with the Crow” (Part 14), featuring an interview between journalist Gregory Douglas and former CIA officer Robert T. Crowley. The authenticity of this material has been debated, and its contents are controversial. I’m presenting this as-is, for informational and historical insight only.

Conversation No. 22

Date: Friday, July 5, 1996

Commenced: 1:45 PM CST

Concluded: 2:10 PM CST

<GD: I am a man of sorrows and acquainted with rage, Robert. How about the Company setting off a small A-bomb in some hitherto harmless country and blaming it on mice?

RTC: Now that's something we never did. In fact, we prevented at least one nuclear disaster.

GD: What? A humanitarian act? Why, I am astounded, Robert. Do tell me about this.

RTC: Now, now, Gregory, sometimes we can discuss serious business. There were times when we prevented terrible catastrophes and tried to secure more peace. We had trouble, you know, with India back in the 60s when they got uppity and started work on an atomic bomb. Loud mouthed cow-lovers bragging about how clever they were and how they, too, were going to be a great power in the world. The thing is, they weregetting into bed with the Russians. Of course, Pakistan was in bed with the *****, so India had to find another bed partner. And we did not want them to have any kind of nuclear weaponry because God knows what they would have done with it. Probably strut their stuff like a Washington nigger with a brass watch. Probably nuke the *****. They're all a bunch of neo-coons anyway. Oh, yes, and their head expert was fully capable of building a bomb and we knew just what he was up to. He was warned several times but what an arrogant prick that one was. Told our people to **** off and then made it clear that no one would stop him and India from getting nuclear parity with the big boys. Loudmouths bring it all down on themselves. Do you know about any of this?

GD: Not my area of interest or expertise. Who is this joker, anyway?

RTC: Was, Gregory, let's use the past tense, if you please. Name was Homi Bhabha. 14That one was dangerous, believe me. He had an unfortunate accident. He was flying to Vienna to stir up more trouble, when his 707 had a bomb go off in the cargo hold and they all came down on a high mountain way up in the Alps. No real evidence and the world was much safer.

GD: Was Ali Baba alone on the plane?

RTC: No it was a commercial Air India flight.

GD: How many people went down with him?

RTC: Ah, who knows and frankly, who cares?

GD: I suppose if I had a relative on the flight I would care.

RTC: Did you?

GD: No.

RTC: Then don't worry about it. We could have blown it up over Vienna but we decided the high mountains were much better for the bits and pieces to come down on. I think a possible death or two among mountain goats is much preferable than bringing down a huge plane right over a big city.

GD: I think that there were more than goats, Robert.

RTC: Well, aren't we being a bleeding-heart today?

GD: Now, now, it's not an observation that is unexpected. Why not send him a box of poisoned candy? Shoot him in the street? Blow up his car? I mean, why ace a whole plane full of people?

RTC: Well, I call it as it see it. At the time, it was our best shot. And we nailed Shastri 15as well. Another cow-loving raghead. Gregory, you say you don't know about these people. Believe me, they were close to getting a bomb and so what if they nuked their deadly **** enemies? So what? Too many people in both countries. Breed like rabbits and full of snake-worshipping twits. I don't for the life of me see what the Brits wanted in India. And then threaten us? They were in the sack with the Russians, I told you. Maybe they could nuke the Panama Canal or Los Angeles. We don't know that for sure, but it is not impossible.

GD: Who was Shastri?

RTC: A political type who started the program in the first place. Babha was a genius and he could get things done, so we aced both of them. And we let certain people there know that there was more where that came from. We should have hit the *****, too, while we were at it, but they were a tougher target. Did I tell you about the idea to wipe out Asia's rice crops? We developed a disease that would have wiped rice off the map there and it's their staple diet. The ******* rice growers here got wind of it and raised such a stink we canned the whole thing. The theory was that the disease could spread around and hurt their pocketbooks. If the Mao people invade Alaska, we can tell the rice people it's all their fault.

GD: I suppose we might make friends with them.

RTC: With the likes of them? Not at all, Gregory. The only thing the Communists understand is brute force. India was quieter after Bhabha croaked. We could never get to Mao but at one time, the Russians and we were discussing the how and when of the project. Oh yes, sometimes we do business with the other side. Probably more than you realize.

GD: Now that I know about. High level amorality. They want secrets from us and you give them some of them in return for some of their secrets, doctored, of course. That way, both agencies get credit for being clever.

RTC: Well, you've been in that game, so why be so holy over a bunch of dead ragheads?

GD: Were all the passengers Indian atomic scientists?

RTC: Who cares, Gregory? We got the main man and that was all that mattered. You ought not criticize when you don't have the whole story.>

# # # #

Source: Conversations with the Crow, Gregory Douglas, Part 14 – Archival PDF.

The mystery surrounding Shastri’s death has fueled numerous conspiracy theories over the years, making it one of India’s most debated political events. It reminds us how real-life tragedies often inspire gripping stories, just like the true crimes that shaped some of Netflix’s biggest hits.

3. Internal Political Rivalries

Another theory suggests that Shastriji’s death was the result of internal political sabotage. His rise as a leader of integrity and his mass appeal might have been seen as a threat by certain political factions within India. Was his death a way to make the way for other leaders to take charge?

Who Had a Motive? 

• Nehruvian Loyalists – Shastriji’s success overshadowed Indira Gandhi’s political prospects. His prolonged leadership could have delayed her rise.

• Congress Power Struggle – His policies on self-reliance and military strength clashed with leaders favoring foreign aid and a different economic vision.

• Business & Bureaucratic Interests – Shastriji’s anti-corruption stance unsettled powerful lobbies thriving under the status quo.

4. The Unanswered Questions About His Physician

Shastri’s physician, Dr. R.N. Chugh, who was present in Tashkent, could have provided critical insights. However, he died in a road accident years later. Some theorists claim this accident wasn’t accidental at all but a deliberate act to silence him.
Similarly, Ram Nath, Shastri’s trusted cook who prepared his last meal, also faced suspicion.
Was he unknowingly involved in a larger conspiracy?

One of the strangest aspects of Shastriji’s case is how key witnesses and individuals connected to him reportedly vanished or died under mysterious circumstances. Such unexplained disappearances are not uncommon, as seen in these chilling cases of people vanishing across Asia.

5. The Milk Glass Incident

Shastriji’s last meal consisted of simple dishes, as he was known for his austere lifestyle. However, one detail stands out: a glass of milk that he drank before retiring to bed. Some theorists claim that the milk might have been laced with poison. Strangely, this glass was never tested, and no clear records of his food consumption from that night exist. 

Why Was the Post-Mortem Denied?

This is perhaps the biggest red flag of all.
According to Indian law, any unnatural or sudden death, especially of a public figure, must be followed by a postmortem. Yet, in this case, none was conducted.
No medical report. No death certificate. No public record.
Why?
Officials claimed that it was because the body had already been embalmed. But that’s not an acceptable explanation when you’re talking about the Prime Minister of India dying under suspicious circumstances.

Declassified Files and the RTI Battle

Over the years, activists and researchers have demanded the declassification of files related to Shastriji’s death. Some documents were released, but they provided little clarity. They raised more questions than answers.
In 2009, journalist Anuj Dhar filed an RTI (Right to Information) application seeking details about Shastriji’s death. The response was shocking: the government stated that disclosing these details could harm foreign relations. 

What could be so sensitive that even decades later, the truth cannot be revealed? 

Public Reactions and Speculations

Over the years, many secrets about Shastri’s death have remained buried, leaving behind unanswered questions and speculation. Just like places that hold dark histories but are left to decay, the truth may be hidden in plain sight—much like the eerie locations featured in this list of the creepiest abandoned places on Earth.

The Indian public, known for its curiosity and love for mysteries, has never let this issue fade away. From documentaries to books, countless attempts have been made to uncover the truth.
Shastriji’s death remains a popular topic of discussion, with people divided over what happened that fateful night. Social media has further amplified the debate, with new theories emerging now and then. The lack of concrete evidence only adds to the allure of this mystery. 

A Leader Remembered

While the circumstances of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death remain shrouded in mystery, his legacy as a leader is unquestionable. Known for his slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, ” Shastriji was a man of the people. His simplicity, humility, and commitment to the nation’s welfare made him a beloved figure.
Perhaps the greatest injustice to his memory is the lack of effort to uncover the truth. As a nation, we owe it to him and his family to seek closure.

Some believe Shastri’s death was not natural but rather tied to something more sinister—perhaps even a hidden force beyond explanation. Similar to the legends of cursed films that supposedly caused real deaths, this case carries an unsettling aura, much like the mysterious events linked to The Antrum Curse.

The Final Question 

Will we ever know the truth about what happened to Lal Bahadur Shastri? The theories are endless, and the evidence is elusive. But one thing is certain: his death is not just a historical footnote but a reminder of the complexities of politics, power, and secrecy.
So, what do you think? Was Shastriji’s death a natural tragedy, or does it hide a dark conspiracy?
Share your thoughts and keep the conversation alive—because some mysteries deserve to be solved.