Why in the news?
- November 18 marked the Birth Anniversary of Batukeshwar Dutt.
Batukeshwar Dutt
- Birth: Born on 18 November 1910 in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal.
- Role in Indian Freedom Struggle:
- Association with HSRA:
- Joined HSRA led by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sukhdev, and others.
- Advocated revolutionary methods against British colonial rule.
- Central Legislative Assembly Bombing, 1929:
- Along with Bhagat Singh, threw non-lethal, smoke bombs in the Assembly in Delhi.
- The objective was to protest against repressive bills like the Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill.
- The act was symbolic- intended “To make the deaf hear”.
- Both courted arrest, shouting: “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Down with Imperialism.”
- Imprisonment:
- Charged under the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
- Sentenced to life imprisonment (transportation for life).
- Sent to Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Undertook hunger strikes to improve prison conditions for political prisoners.
- Association with HSRA:
- Later Life:
- Released in 1938 due to ill health.
- Participated in the Quit India Movement (1942) and got arrested again.
- Death: Died on 20 July 1965 in AIIMS, New Delhi.