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Bengal's Forgotten Freedom Fighters Who Never Sought Mercy Honored in Parliament

Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee used Rajya Sabha's Zero Hour to spotlight 12 overlooked freedom fighters from West Bengal who were deported to the Cellular Jail after the Alipore Bomb Case. He emphasized that these revolutionaries, including Barindrakumar Ghosh and Ullaskar Dutt, endured brutal torture in Kala Pani but never wrote mercy petitions to the British. Banerjee lamented that these "uncompromised" figures have been conveniently forgotten despite their unwavering commitment. He urged Parliament and the nation to accord them the honour and recognition they deserve in India's freedom narrative.

Key Points: TMC MP Honors Bengal Revolutionaries Who Never Wrote Mercy Petitions

  • MP highlights 12 forgotten Bengal revolutionaries
  • Figures deported to Cellular Jail after 1908 Alipore Bomb Case
  • Endured brutal Kala Pani torture without seeking clemency
  • Included bomb-makers Barin Ghosh & Ullaskar Dutt
  • Call for national recognition of their sacrifice
2 min read

Bengal revolutionaries who never wrote 'mercy petitions' forgotten: Trinamool MP in Rajya Sabha

Trinamool MP Ritabrata Banerjee highlights 12 forgotten Bengal freedom fighters from the Alipore Bomb Case who endured Kala Pani without mercy pleas.

"These revolutionaries never ever wrote a mercy petition. - Ritabrata Banerjee"

New Delhi, Feb 11

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Ritabrata Banerjee on Wednesday highlighted during Zero Hour the overlooked legacy of 12 fearless freedom fighters from West Bengal, deported to the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands following the landmark Alipore Bomb Case of 1908-1909.

In his intervention, Banerjee drew attention to prominent revolutionaries Barindrakumar Ghosh (Barin Ghosh), Ullaskar Dutt, and Hem Chandra Kanungo (Hemchandra Das Kanungo), who were among those sentenced and transported for life after the trial stemming from revolutionary activities aimed at overthrowing British colonial rule.

"These are the uncompromised figures who fought against the British colonial power," Banerjee stated.

Barindrakumar Ghosh, brother of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, established bomb-making units and an underground network in West Bengal as part of the Jugantar and Anushilan Samiti movements. Ullaskar Dutt was the principal bomb-maker for the group, while Hem Chandra Kanungo returned from Paris with expertise in explosives and revolutionary organisation.

The MP emphasised that the 12 revolutionaries, including the three he spotlighted, endured years of brutal torture in the Cellular Jail -- infamous as 'Kala Pani' for its harsh solitary confinement, hard labour like oil extraction, and dehumanising conditions -- yet remained steadfast.

Banerjee lamented that these heroes have been "conveniently forgotten", contrasting their resolve with others who sought clemency.

"These revolutionaries never ever wrote a mercy petition," he asserted, adding that they deserve due respect and recognition for their unwavering commitment to India's Independence struggle.

The Alipore case, tried in Calcutta's Sessions Court from 1908 to 1909, involved charges of waging war against the Crown following bomb-making and assassination attempts, including the Muzaffarpur bombing targeting a British magistrate.

While some, like Sri Aurobindo, were acquitted, Barin Ghosh and Ullaskar Dutt initially faced death sentences (later commuted to life imprisonment), and others received transportation for life.

Banerjee's comments arose amid debates on the recognition of Bengal's revolutionary contributions, which included a notable number of early inmates at Cellular Jail (approximately 46 Bengalis among the initial groups from 1909-1921). He urged Parliament and the nation to accord these "uncompromised" figures the honour they merit, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered in India's freedom narrative.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that the MP raised this. Bengal's contribution to the armed revolutionary struggle was immense. The Jugantar and Anushilan Samiti were the backbone. But why does it take a Zero Hour mention to remember them? Our history books need a serious revision to include these uncompromising figures properly.
S
Sarah B
As someone learning about Indian history, this is fascinating. The technical expertise—learning bomb-making in Paris, setting up underground networks—shows how sophisticated and determined the movement was. The "mercy petition" point is powerful; it defines true conviction versus compromise.
A
Aman W
Kala Pani... just the name sends a shiver. To endure that and still not write a mercy letter? Salute to these iron-willed souls. But respectfully, while recognition is important, I hope this doesn't become just another political point-scoring topic. Their legacy is beyond today's politics.
K
Karthik V
The Alipore Bomb Case is such a crucial chapter. Sri Aurobindo's acquittal, Barin Ghosh's death sentence commuted... it's all so dramatic. These 12 revolutionaries are the real definition of "deshbhakti". We name stadiums and schemes after politicians, but where are the memorials for these legends?
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Nisha Z
My great-grandfather used to tell stories about the revolutionary fever in Bengal. It wasn't just talk; it was action at great personal cost. Glad this is in Parliament. Hope it leads to documentaries or a series on these unsung heroes. Their sacrifice must not be in vain.

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