The Assassination of J.P. Saunders by Bhagat Singh: A Defiant Act of Revolution

History Indian History

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-06 08:37:43 |

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The assassination of J.P. Saunders by Bhagat Singh and his associates was a significant event in India's struggle for independence. It took place on December 17, 1928, in Lahore, during the British colonial rule. The assassination was a planned retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent nationalist leader, who had been severely beaten by the police during a protest against the Simon Commission.

Lala Lajpat Rai had led a peaceful demonstration on October 30, 1928, against the Simon Commission, which was set up by the British government without any Indian representation. The protest was met with brutal force, and James A. Scott, a senior police officer, ordered a lathi charge on the protesters. Lala Lajpat Rai suffered severe injuries and died on November 17, 1928, due to the assault. Bhagat Singh and his comrades, including Sukhdev and Rajguru, held Scott responsible for his death and decided to avenge it.

In an attempt to kill Scott, Bhagat Singh and his associates devised a plan. On December 17, 1928, Rajguru fired the first shot at a British officer outside the Lahore police headquarters, followed by Bhagat Singh, who shot multiple rounds. However, they mistakenly killed J.P. Saunders, an assistant superintendent of police, instead of James Scott. Chanan Singh, a police constable who tried to chase them, was also shot dead by Chandrashekhar Azad.

After the assassination, Bhagat Singh and his comrades managed to escape by disguising themselves. Bhagat Singh shaved his beard and cut his hair, a significant sacrifice as a Sikh, to avoid recognition by the British authorities. The group continued their revolutionary activities and later carried out the Assembly bomb incident in 1929 to draw attention to their cause.

The assassination of Saunders marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle, inspiring young revolutionaries across the country. Though it led to the eventual arrest and execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, their actions and sacrifice became symbols of resistance against British rule. Their legacy continues to inspire generations in India’s fight for justice and freedom.

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