Secret Revolutionary Meeting at Delhi's Purana Qila
An important meeting of independent revolutionaries was held in the ancient ruins of Delhi's Purana Qila (Old Fort) to unite various revolutionary forces and devise future strategies against British rule. More than sixty key revolutionaries from across regions—Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh—attended the secret gathering. Among them were five courageous women. However, the Bengal revolutionaries were notably absent due to internal differences.
The two-day meeting took place discreetly among fossil sites within the fort. Bhagat Singh, the previous organizer and a central figure in the movement, presided over the sessions. Chandrashekhar Azad, though a key leader, could not attend due to the intense surveillance of Tasaduk Hussain, the officer investigating the Kakori train robbery. In his absence, Azad sent a message through a letter, stating that Bhagat Singh would represent him and carry full authority on his behalf.
Formation of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA)
The convention began by honoring fallen revolutionaries and those suffering in long-term imprisonment. A central committee was formed to lead the organizational structure, followed by the establishment of regional and coordinating committees. A significant decision was made to rename the organization from “Hindustan Republican Association” to “Hindustan Socialist Republican Army” (HSRA). This new name explicitly declared their ideological alignment with socialism, inspired by the Russian model, and confirmed their commitment to an armed struggle against British colonialism.
Chandrashekhar Azad was unanimously appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the HSRA in his absence. To enhance operational secrecy, many members were advised to change their names and physical appearance. Bhagat Singh, for instance, cut his hair short to evade the British police.
Strategic Decisions and Revolutionary Plans
The meeting led to crucial resolutions, including bombing the Simon Commission, setting up bomb-making units, training youth in explosives, stockpiling arms, punishing informants involved in the Kakori betrayal, and targeting government treasuries for funds. Importantly, they resolved not to target private individuals for robbery, reflecting their ethical line.
Despite the British CID learning about the meeting, all revolutionaries managed to escape the Purana Qila under various disguises. Bhagat Singh successfully fled dressed as a sadhu.
Azad's Bold Confrontation with Inspector Hussain
Chandrashekhar Azad resumed his revolutionary work with renewed determination. In a dramatic encounter, he confronted Inspector Tasaduk Hussain in a deserted alley. Pointing a pistol at Hussain's stomach, Azad warned him to stay away or face death. The frightened inspector was let go but never troubled Azad again.
The Clever Deception in Kanpur
Following the meeting, Bhagat Singh traveled to Kanpur to meet Azad and update him on the resolutions. Azad, recognizing the financial crisis within the HSRA, came up with a daring plan after observing Bhagat Singh's new appearance. With his fair skin, clean-shaven face, and British-style hat, Bhagat could easily pass as an Englishman. Rajguru and Azad joined the operation to secure funds for the cause.
Late that night, the trio approached the mansion of Sir Dilsukh Roy, a wealthy Kanpur merchant. Bhagat Singh wore a safari shirt and shorts, resembling an English official, while Rajguru posed as a clerk and Azad as a uniformed bodyguard. The watchman, intimidated by their appearance, informed his employer that the “Governor's P.A.” had arrived on official duty.
Inside the house, Roy was reviewing accounts with his Muneem (accountant). On hearing the watchman's message, Roy was taken aback. Muneem went to greet the visitors and, convinced by their appearances, ushered them inside.
The Fake Government Mission
The atmosphere was tense and respectful. Azad introduced Bhagat Singh as the Governor's newly appointed P.A., while Rajguru was portrayed as an auditor. After a few formalities, Bhagat Singh began the performance. He told Roy that England had emerged victorious in the war against Germany but had incurred massive debt. The Queen had ordered all provincial governors to collect donations from wealthy Indian citizens. Bhagat implied that Roy had been chosen to contribute ₹25,000 to the war fund and, in return, would be awarded the prestigious title of “Raj Bahadur.”
Roy was initially stunned, but the offer of a title swayed him. He instructed his Muneem to bring the money immediately. Rajguru, playing his part, confirmed the amount from the fake government file.
Successful Execution and Escape
After receiving the money, Bhagat Singh assured Roy that his new title would be conferred at a grand ceremony next month. Overjoyed, Roy saw off the "officials" with respect. Once the trio had left, Muneem expressed his amazement that Roy would receive the "Raj Bahadur" title while others had spent years lobbying for it.
Moments later, a police team arrived at the mansion. The inspector asked if anyone had visited recently. Roy confidently explained the visit of the Governor's P.A. and his officers. On hearing the description, the inspector revealed the shocking truth: the “P.A.” was Bhagat Singh and the bodyguard was none other than Chandrashekhar Azad.
Roy was speechless, while Muneem pointed toward the direction the revolutionaries had gone. The police gave chase, but the revolutionaries had once again outwitted the British establishment.