Alipore Bomb Case 1908

The Alipore Bomb Case was a major state trial in British India in the early 20th century. It involved the arrest and prosecution of several Indian revolutionaries and nationalists, most notably Sri Aurobindo, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.

Background and Context

The case took place against the backdrop of rising militant nationalism in Bengal, which was a reaction to the Partition of Bengal in 1905 and the severe repression of the Swadeshi movement by British authorities. Revolutionary groups formed, aiming to overthrow British rule through armed struggle.

Barindra Ghose and the Manicktolla Secret Society

Barindra Ghose, younger brother of Sri Aurobindo, was a key figure in the militant movement. In 1907, he founded the Manicktolla Secret Society in Calcutta. The group, consisting of around 20 young revolutionaries, underwent a rigorous training program that included physical fitness, martial arts, study of spiritual texts and revolutionary movements, and the use of firearms and explosives.

The Muzaffarpur Bomb Incident

The case was triggered by the Muzaffarpur bomb incident on April 30, 1908, where revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki attempted to assassinate British magistrate Douglas Kingsford by throwing a bomb at his carriage. The bomb missed Kingsford but killed two British women instead. This led to a widespread crackdown by the British.

Arrests and Discoveries

On May 2, 1908, the police conducted raids at various locations across Calcutta, arresting around 20 suspected revolutionaries, including Sri Aurobindo and several members of the Manicktolla Secret Society. A bomb factory was discovered at 32 Muraripukur Road, along with arms, ammunition, explosives and revolutionary literature. More raids and arrests followed over the next few weeks.

The Trial

The arrested individuals were charged with waging war against the King – a crime equivalent to high treason and punishable by death. The trial involved a lengthy committal hearing in the magistrate’s court, with over 1000 pieces of evidence and 222 witnesses, followed by proceedings in the Sessions Court with a further 1438 exhibits and 206 witnesses.

The under-trial prisoners, numbering 37 in total, were subjected to brutal treatment and torture at the hands of British authorities, in violation of legal rights, and held in abysmal conditions in solitary confinement at the Presidency Jail.

The Judgment

After a protracted trial lasting a whole year, Judge Beachcroft delivered the verdict on May 6, 1909. Sri Aurobindo was acquitted of all charges. However, Barindra Ghose and Ullaskar Dutt were sentenced to death (later commuted to life transportation). 17 others received sentences of imprisonment and transportation, while the rest were let off.

Significance

The Alipore Bomb Case marked an important chapter in India’s freedom struggle. It exemplified the British repression of the Indian independence movement and the harsh measures employed to suppress dissent. At the same time, it also highlighted the revolutionary zeal and sacrifices of India’s youth in the fight against colonial rule. The case is considered a landmark event in the history of the Indian independence movement.