His Last Battle
[This is excerpted from my forthcoming translation of Ajeya, (the Invincible,) a fictionalized biography of Chandrasekhar Azad in Kannada written by Babu Krishnamurthy. This famous gun-battle that proves that no fiction can quite equal fact has been chronicled in fine detail in the book.
Readers may not be familiar with some of the characters appearing in this account. But this is an excerpt. Hopefully you will enjoy this snippet enough to want to read the full novel.]
Chandrasekhar Azad was agitated about his failure to save Bhagat Singh and friends from the gallows. He had been unsuccessful in his diplomatic effort of sending Durga Bhabhi and Sushila Didi to plead their case with Gandhiji. But after Azad had a conversation with Nehru in this regard, Gandhiji spoke to Irwin about getting Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries released, though practically everyone thought he did not represent the case strongly enough.
Gandhiji had said very little. “There is a lot of sympathy for Bhagat Singh and his friends all over the country. If you do not try and repeal their death sentence, there is a possibility that the Karachi Congress session of March 26 will go against you. This may result in the breakdown of the Gandhi-Irwin pact.”
Lord Irwin had said there was nothing he could do. He said he would postpone the hanging till after the Karachi session. Gandhiji did not protest further.
Azad was extremely saddened by Gandhiji’s disinterest. He invited all his revolutionary friends to Allahabad to discuss the next steps.
On February 25, Sushila Didi and others reached Allahabad from Delhi by Kalka-Howrah mail. Others who came from Kanpur noted that Virbhadra had taken the same train. Even though they informed Azad about it, he ignored the news asserting he was not afraid of Virbhadra.
On February 26, Azad called a meeting of the visiting revolutionaries. They spoke of Bhagat Singh’s sentencing, but no decision was taken that day, and the session ended.
On Wednesday, February 25, 1931, Sambhunath met the deputy superintendent of police of the detective division, Thakur Visweswar Singh, at the detective division’s central office in Allahabad. During a confidential meeting, they discussed Azad’s movements and their counter planning. They met police superintendent Nott-Bower, Police Officers P. H. J. Majors, and W. H. Archibald and had a brainstorming session on the operation, How-to-Finish-Azad.
After working out the more granular details of the operation, they contacted the Reserve Police Lines and sent a directive to Sergeant Titterton and Hollins to standby ready with a force of eighty armed policemen. They were trained to get into the vehicles and arrive at any place within Allahabad city limits, loaded and ready for action within fifteen minutes of getting the order.
During the meeting, the superior officers suggested that Virbhadra be brought to Allahabad because he was the primary actor capable of recognizing Azad. Sambhunath argued that such a move would expose the confidential relationship between himself and Virbhadra and counter the promise he had made to Virbhadra. He vehemently protested that Virbhadra would be in danger for his life. But the British officers were adamant in their stand, and Sambhunath had no other go but to retreat from his position and get Virbhadra to Allahabad.
Sambhunath went to Kanpur and asked Virbhadra to accompany him back to Allahabad. When Virbhadra got on the train to go to Allahabad, Azad’s close friend, Ramachandra Mutsaddhi, who was also in the Railway station at that time, saw him.
Virbhadra followed Sambhunath, who had got off the train from another carriage. By the time duo had reached Allahabad, Visweswar Singh and Nott-Bower had rounded up a few more policemen, helpers, and other people who could recognize Azad. They sent them to different strategic spots in Allahabad to watch for Azad. The center of this operation was in Katara Mohalla, where they knew Azad was staying. The British officers also offered incentives to the rank and file. If they were successful, everyone who had participated would be given a promotion, a raise, and a cash reward.
Police officers, constables, and detective officers in plainclothes and their myriad helpers spread their nets all around Allahabad. Everyone had been given strict instructions to be on the alert 24/7 and be on the lookout for Azad.
Thursday, February 26, 1931.
The police arranged a three-story house as temporary living accommodation for Virbhadra in Katara Mohalla. To be at hand nearby, and to make sure he was in constant contact with Virbhadra, Sambhunath also camped at a nearby house near Shishu Press in Katara Mohalla and his trusted orderly, Mohammad Razi.
Virbhadra started sending secret messages to Sambhunath: “Panditji is here. Sukhdev Raj and Jagadeesh were walking around near the Hindu Boarding House and the University. Batuknath Agrawal, Jagadeesh, and Sukhdev Raj were in Alfred Park for many hours yesterday. Sushila Didi arrived yesterday from Delhi.”
Even though they knew where Azad lived, Deputy Commissioner Mumford decided it was not appropriate to arrest Azad at his residence after conferring with the police detective officers. There was absolutely no doubt there would be a gun battle if they tried to capture him. Azad always carried his Mauser on his person, loaded and ready to fire. He invariably took extra ammunition. He was famed for being an excellent marksman and rarely missed his target. Also, if there was a real battle, it was expected that the ordinary citizens would side with the revolutionaries. Considering all these factors, they decided to hunt Azad when he was alone in a strategic, comparatively secluded spot. The police had already announced a reward of five thousand rupees to anyone helping them to capture Azad dead or alive. The police had decided to shoot Azad dead rather than attempting the foolhardy task of capturing him alive.
Azad was having weird nightmares lately. He woke up that morning and related a dream he had the previous night to Bhawani Singh Raut and Surendra Pandeya: “I was in the center surrounded by hundreds of policemen, shooting at me continually. I was also firing back at them. There was a never-ending gun battle.”
He also told his associates to be careful, because “The police are using Virbhadra to catch us all. The government has intensified its efforts to catch us.”
One piece of news had made Azad very happy.
Nehru had agreed to help Azad with the money to fund Yashpal and Surendranath Pandeya’s trip to Russia, and sent two thousand rupees through a close family friend, Shivmurtha Singh, with a message that it was the money for immediate necessities, and he would send more soon.
Azad spoke to Yashpal on the night of the 26th and handed one thousand five hundred rupees asking him to shop for travel necessities. Azad also explained in detail the topics that he had to get trained in while in Russia. They spoke for a long time until midnight before they went to bed.
Friday, February 27, 1931.
Azad woke up that morning worried about his problems and the tasks he needed to get done, as usual. He needed to do a lot of things to get Yashpal and Pandeya travel-ready. He had several meetings lined up.
Yashpal and Pandeya planned to purchase what they needed for their trip to Russia.
Azad also got ready to go out. He wore his dhoti in the traditional style, a kurta and a sleeveless coat over it. His constant protector, the American made Colt .32 ACP caliber, self-loading, his favorite semi-automatic pistol was in his coat pocket. Azad stuffed a couple of magazines of ammunition in his kurta pocket and in the pocket of his sleeveless coat.
Azad had several weapons. His Mauser was of excellent quality. The wooden box the Mauser pistol was stored in could be used as the butt of a gun. Azad referred to this pistol as ‘Bamtulbukhaar.’ On an earlier occasion, Yashpal had stolen this pistol with a few other weapons.
Just as Azad was leaving, his friend and revolutionary associate, Bhawani Singh Raut, came out and asked him to have his breakfast before going out.
Azad said, “I need to meet someone in a hurry. Save my breakfast. I will eat when I return.”
Yashpal and Surendra Pandeya set out to do their shopping. Azad said he would walk with them until they reached Alfred Park. They walked silently toward the park, each immersed in their own thoughts.
As they neared the park, they saw Sukhdev Raj biking toward them. He got off his bicycle and started walking with Azad, pushing his bicycle along. Yashpal and Pandeya parted ways and went on to shop. Azad and Sukhdev Raj continued walking around in Alfred Park.
The detectives continued to watch them.
A fair, curly-haired young man of medium height, perhaps a close associate of the revolutionaries, watching Azad’s movements felt triumphant, as though he could visualize piles of cash when he sighted Azad. He ran breathlessly to the Deputy Police Inspector Visweswar Singh’s house and knocked peremptorily on the door. Visweswar Singh came out and invited the visitor in with dramatic — almost insincere — cordiality. He went in, ordered snacks, and came back to sit with the visitor, smiling a broad, artificial smile. “It is nice to see you so early in the morning. Did you have something important to say?”
The young man scooted closer to Visweswar Singh, whispering confidentially. “I don’t have time to sit and chat. Leave at once. He has set out toward chowk from Katara Mohalla.”
“Really?” Clearly, Visweswar did not consider the visitor too trustworthy. “You have given me false information many times earlier.”
“Inspector Saab! Trust me! I swear I am telling the truth. Don’t lose this rare opportunity.”
Visweswar’s courteousness disappeared with startling suddenness. He said harshly, “Okay! Let us try once more. You bastard, remember, if I find you have lied once more, I will beat you up, skin you, and serve you to the wolves!”
He caught the young man by his collar, pushed him into a room, and locked the door. The young man screamed, “Inspector Saab! Is this how you reward my courtesy and goodness?”
The inspector laughed villainously. “Yeah, you are good and courteous! Shut up! I will come back and finish you if my work is not done.”
He left the young man sweating and hurried to the police station.
Virbhadra covertly followed Azad after he left his Katara Mohalla house. He saw Sukhdev Raj had met up with Azad, and the two were strolling in the park, with Sukhdev Raj pushing his bicycle along as he walked.
Meanwhile, Azad and Sukhdev Raj strolled along, deeply immersed in their conversation. Azad asked, “Raj, you have been to Burma, have you not?”
“Yes, Bhaiyya.”
“Is it possible to send a few of our associates abroad via Burma?”
“I didn’t think of these issues when I was in Burma. Burma was a part of India when I was there, and I did not need a passport. But you can get out of India via Malaya and Thailand. Those places are densely forested. It is difficult to travel there…”
Azad suddenly noticed Virbhadra near More College on Thornhill Road next to the park and stopped short. “Raj, look! There is Virbhadra. Perhaps he has not noticed us.”
Virbhadra was hurrying, his head covered in a wrap, as though he had something important to attend to. He almost ran to the Katara Mohalla police station and went straight to Sambhunath’s desk, panting, “Panditji is in Alfred Park. Go immediately!”
Sambhunath called the police superintendent on the phone. Captain Majors picked up the phone on the other end.
“This is Sambhunath. Get those eighty policemen ready and send them to Alfred park immediately.”
Majors said, “Okay,” and disconnected the phone.
Visweswar Singh hurried towards Alfred Park. He met Dal Chand, a government tax adviser on the way. Meanwhile, Azad and Sukhdev Raj were deep in conversation, sitting next to a trail.
Visweswar and Dal Chand started walking on the city road abutting the park. They could not see Azad’s face from where they were located. They wanted to make sure it was indeed Azad, so they decided to part ways and walked in opposite directions watching their quarry closely. When Visweswar Singh became convinced it was Azad, he asked Dal Chand to keep an eye on the target and left. Dal Chand plucked a tender stick from a neem tree nearby and started flossing his teeth, staring at Azad and Raj.
In a little while, Azad and Sukhdev Raj got up and walked into the park. Sukhdev Raj, still pushing his bicycle along as he walked, glanced at Dal Chand, and caught him staring at them. He wondered why this man was staring so hard. They walked a further twenty paces. Sukhdev Raj, suspicious of the person watching them, told Azad about him. He even went back and looked at the man who was staring at them. He voiced his suspicions again to Azad, but the latter ignored Raj. Both went and sat under a big black plum tree.
Reserve Police Lines, Allahabad.
After their morning drill, the policemen lounged about, and Sergeant Titterton sat at his desk, rifling through papers. The phone rang. The police superintendent Majors was on the phone. He ordered the eighty-armed policemen who were on standby to proceed immediately and surround Alfred Park. Majors also warned that they would have to be ready to fight a gun battle.
Titterton instructed the Gurkha bugler to sound the call. The policemen assembled. The first forty policemen quickly shouldered .410 bored guns that were lined up. Their bandoliers were already filled up with twenty rounds of ammunition each. The other forty policemen picked up lathi sticks as their weapons.
Sergeant Titterton and Hollins picked up their .38 caliber Webley Scott revolvers, loaded them with bullets, and thrust them into their holsters. They packed eighteen rounds of extra ammunition in their leather bags.
Four vans waited outside in response to the bugle call.
Four vehicles with eighty armed policemen led by Titterton and Hollins screamed towards Alfred Park within three minutes.
Azad was waiting for a letter from Allahabad University. The courier of an anticipated message, scheduled to arrive at 9:30 am, had not yet come. So, he continued to sit under the black plum tree with Raj somberly discussing possible future moves to resurrect their damaged organization.
Dal Chand continued to pretend to floss his teeth, staring at them.
Soon, Visweswar Singh, accompanied by his trusty orderly Sarnam Singh, came hurrying. Dal Chand reported that the quarries were still sitting there and that one of them had been suspicious.
The situation seemed ripe for hunting Azad. Visweswar dispatched Sarnam Singh to update Nott-Bower.
Nott-Bower narrates what happened next in the police report he filed on February 27th.
“At about 9:00–10:00 am, February 27th, Thakur Visweswar Singh, Deputy Inspector of the Detective Branch, sent a messenger with the information that a man resembling Chandrasekhar Azad was in Alfred Park. I took two armed policemen, Mohammad Jamal and Govind Singh, and accompanied Visweswar’s messenger back to the park. Visweswar Singh was not there when I reached the park. The messenger pointed to the suspects sitting on the turf, identifying them to me. I got off my vehicle and rushed to where the suspects were sitting with two armed policemen behind me.”
The four vehicles also rushed in carrying eighty armed policemen, who were in a state of tension, anticipating a significant event, from the police lines.
Superintendent Majors hastened to the same spot from the central police station.
The district Magistrate Mumford was also converging to the same spot in his car after getting the information that Azad was sighted at Alfred Park.
Visweswar Singh was rushing into the park, his gun drawn.
Meanwhile, Ramdhun Singh, a policeman in the detective corps, carried the intelligence of the impending action to Colonel Ganj Police station, and another police vehicle, carrying another contingent of policemen, was dispatched to the target area under the leadership of police officer Rai Sahib Chaudhuri Bihal Singh.
Azad still sat under the black plum tree, talking to Sukhdev Raj. A clump of trees around them prevented him from paying attention to the police vehicles coming in.
Nott-Bower’s car came into Alfred Park. Azad was still oblivious to the outside world.
The fateful moment had arrived. There would be no better time for Nott-Bower to encounter Azad.
Nott-Bower’s car braked less than ten yards from where Azad and Raj sat. Nott-Bower drew a 0.455 caliber gun from its holster, sprang out of his vehicle, and ran swiftly toward Azad.
“Who are you?” he asked, and simultaneously pointed his gun at Azad and pressed the trigger.
The bullet entered Azad’s right thigh with a loud explosive sound.
The psychological hour had struck; Azad’s end was near.
Blood spurted from Azad’s thigh. Nott-Bower’s bullet was the type typically used for hunting game.
Though utterly taken aback at this unexpected attack, Azad rallied immediately. He glanced around, taking stock, and understood the gravity of the situation.
He was surrounded on three sides by police vehicles from police lines and Rai Sahib Bihal Singh’s car. Policemen jumped out with lightning speed, surrounding him.
Majors, Titterton, and Hollins had orders to proceed; they, in turn, commanded their squads to take positions. Forty policemen knelt on their knees and loaded their weapons.
Azad reacted reflexively to Nott-Bower’s shot, drew his semi-automatic with a roar, took aim at Nott-Bower’s right shoulder, and pressed the trigger. The bullet entered Nott-Bower’s right shoulder and sent his gun spinning in the air, throwing it farther away. Nott-Bower staggered back and retreated to his car. Azad’s next bullet destroyed its tires, and the vehicle sank to the ground with a hissing sound. Nott-Bower, cut off from escape, ran to take cover behind a nearby Mimusops elengi tree (Maulsari.)
Visweswar Singh ran into the park, crouched in a gutter, and took a shot at Azad. The bullet entered Azad’s right shoulder. Immediately, Azad transferred his gun to his left hand.
Forty armed policemen crouched in position on their knees, banded into units, surrounding Azad on three sides, and waited for their next orders. Now Azad had only one option left; he had to take cover behind the black plum tree. As he took a position, Azad spied Visweswar Singh behind another tree. Azad’s gun sounded. The bullet entered Visweswar’s jaw, who threw away his pistol and ran into More College across the street, clutching at his jaw, screaming hideously.
Even as Azad took cover behind the tree, Titterton issued the order to “Fire!”
None of the bullets hit Azad; they were either fired into the air or struck the tree.
But the policemen were advancing towards him. Both Azad and Sukhdev Raj were firing back. Soon, Sukhdev Raj’s bullets were spent. Azad’s shells were not compatible with Raj’s weapon.
Azad told Sukhdev Raj, “Raj, my situation is pretty bad. I will not survive. You should escape. You go ahead and serve the cause of the nation. Go! I will give you cover.”
Raj was in a terrible situation. He did not want to abandon his beloved leader to these wolves, but he had no more bullets. If he stayed, he would die needlessly. Azad was pressing him to run away.
Sukhdev Raj quickly retreated.
Now Azad was all alone!
He was surrounded by more than forty policemen, who were all firing at him.
When they heard shots, college students and ordinary citizens from nearby areas surrounded the park in thousands.
The police loaded their guns again and took positions. Azad loaded another magazine to his weapon and called out to them.
“Think, my Hindustani police brothers! Why are you firing at me? I am fighting for your liberty!”
Another order of “Fire!” was issued.
Forty bullets came towards Azad, who smartly hid behind the tree and fired back!
The bullets were whizzing towards him from all directions. Azad was in the middle.
Hundreds of bullets targeted him from behind bushes, underneath the gutters, side of walls, across the street, and behind trees! Azad was alone in the center.
Perhaps his semi-automatic weapon was powered by the Rama’s Kodanda bow, and his bullets had imbibed the speed of Krishna’s Sudarshana.
Azad was fighting like the angry Shiva. He was like the modern avatar of Abhimanyu, surrounded by the Kaurava warriors.
He was one man against a hundred. Death surrounded him.
Azad battled against almost a hundred men for an incredible, memorable thirty-two minutes without letting up.
The most memorable battle in the history of the Indian revolution! A blazing example of the courage and prowess of India’s young soldiers!
The police were staggered by his bravery and skill. The district magistrate Mumford, astounded by his marksmanship and battle-hardiness, shouted, “Wonderful! What a wonderful shot!!”
The park was getting crowded by thousands of onlookers who wanted just one glimpse of this historic battle. Majors sought permission from the district magistrate to fire on the crowds. The district magistrate declined.
The crowd intrigued, watched mesmerized, forgetting themselves in that supreme moment of courage and martyrdom happening right in front of them.
Azad was almost out of ammunition, but he was utterly in control of himself. He could account for every bullet he has spent.
Now there was just one bullet left — the last shot. Azad remembered the resolution that had ruled his life.
It was a vow he had taken nearly ten years ago as the victim of police flogging. He had vowed then never to let himself be captured by the police. He had played a game of ‘hide and seek’ with the police so many times. They had eaten crow so many times at his hands. He had boasted in front of his friends so many times that “no policeman was man enough to capture him alive.”
“We will face the bullets of the enemies,
But we are free and shall remain free!
We will live free and die free!”
His resolve echoed in his head and strengthened. He pointed his weapon to his head and pressed the trigger.
The bullet pierced his head.
It was dark, pitch dark!!
Azad, the invincible hero, was gone. He was free!
Azad was barely twenty-four years of age.
