In 1921, at the Ahmedabad session of the Indian National Congress, a decision was taken to give the non-cooperation movement a countrywide form, Gandhi was given full rights to give the decision a practical shape. On 1st Feb. 1922, Gandhi wrote a warning letter to the Viceroy of India in this context. Full preparation had been made at Bardoli for launching the movement. But the sad incident of Chauri Chaura village of Gorakhpur district on 5th Feb. 1922 completely changed the entire political scenario.

The non – cooperation movement was at its peak. At the same time, in the village Chauri – Chaura (Gorakhpur) on 5th Feb. 1922, the police tried to stop the procession which was being conducted by the Congress workers. The workers got furious and the police took shelter in the post. The congress workers set fire to the police post. At least 22 policemen were burnt to death.

This violent incident at Chauri Chaura hurt the non – violent heart of Gandhiji. He withdrew the movement due to the use of violence by the Congress workers. Still, Gandhiji and many participants of the procession were arrested. Some other Congress leaders expressed their anguish at the tragic incident at Chauri Chaura.