Murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati
| Murder of Lakshmanananda Saraswati | |
|---|---|
| Part of Religious violence in Odisha | |
| Location | Kandhamal, Odisha |
| Coordinates | 20°28′N 84°14′E / 20.47°N 84.23°E |
| Date | 23 August 2008 |
| Target | Lakshmanananda Saraswati |
Attack type | Mass murder Assassination |
| Weapons | Ak-47 and other revolvers |
| Deaths | 5 (including Lakshmanananda Saraswati) |
| Perpetrators | 8 |
| Assailants | 7 Christians and 1 Maoist leader |
Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1926 |
| Died | 23 August 2008 (aged 81–82) |
| Cause of death | Assassination |
| Nationality | Indian |
Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati (c. 1926 – 23 August 2008) and four of his disciples were murdered on 23 August 2008 in the state of Odisha in India. Saraswati was a tribal activist, Hindu monk, and a Vishva Hindu Parishad leader. Seven Catholics of the Pano caste and one Maoist leader were convicted in the case.