Dinesh Chandra Majumdar

Dinesh Chandra Majumdar
দীনেশচন্দ্র মজুমদার
Saheed Dinesh Chandra Majumdar
Born	May 19, 1907 Basirhat, Bengal, British India
Died	9 June 1934 Calcutta,Alipore Central Jail, Bengal, British India
Cause of death	Execution by hanging
Other names	Mani
Alma mater	Basirhat high school, City College, Kolkata
Organization	Jugantar Party
Known for	Attempt to assassinate Commissioner of Police Charles Tegart and a ex-condemned prisoner of Alipore Central Jail.
Movement	Indian Independence movement
Criminal penalty	Capital punishment
Parents	Purna Chandra Majumdar (father) Benodini Devi (mother)
Signature

Dinesh Chandra Majumdar (19 May 1907 – 9 June 1934) was a prominent Indian revolutionary and a key member of the Jugantar party, which played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Born in Basirhat in the Bengal Presidency, he was influenced by revolutionary leader Bipin Behari Ganguli. A science graduate, Dinesh later studied law and became deeply involved in underground nationalist activities. He organized and trained young patriots, particularly in his hometown, establishing centers for physical and weapons training, including the Jatiya Pathagar and Smila Byampeeth.

In 1930, Dinesh and his associate Anujacharan Sengupta attempted to assassinate Charles Tegart, the British Police Commissioner of Calcutta. Though the attempt failed, Dinesh was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was incarcerated in Midnapore Jail, from which he escaped in 1932 along with Sachin Kar Gupta and Sushil Dasgupta. Dinesh remained underground and carried out further revolutionary activities, including attacks on British officials. Eventually, Dinesh was re-arrested and sentenced to death under multiple charges, including attempted murder and possession of explosives.

On 9 June 1934, Dinesh Chandra Majumder was executed in Alipore Central Jail. His martyrdom became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice in the Indian freedom struggle, and his legacy is remembered for his bravery and uncompromising patriotism.

Early life and Background

Family and birth

Dinesh Chandra Majumdar was born in Jaishtha 1311 of the Bengali calendar (May 1904) in Bazarpara, Basirhat, then a part of the Bengal Presidency under British colonial rule. He was the second of four sons born to Purna Chandra Majumdar and Binodini Devi. Abinash, Dinesh, Bhavesh & Prakash. The family led a modest lifestyle, which declined further following the premature death of his father due to illness. The medical expenses incurred left the family in financial hardship, placing the burden of raising the children solely on his mother.

Formative Influences

Even at a young age, Majumdar displayed emotional sensitivity and resilience. In solidarity with his grieving mother, who abstained from eating fish as part of mourning customs, he voluntarily renounced it permanently. His first encounters with colonial injustice are believed to have stemmed from witnessing an altercation involving a British-aligned rent collector—a moment that reportedly sparked his early anti-colonial consciousness.

The house at Basirhat where Dinesh Majumdar's family lived.

Education and Early Intellect

Schooling in Basirhat

Majumdar began his formal education in Basirhat, where he participated in political discussions with his elder brother and schoolteachers. These conversations, coupled with remarks from his younger brother—such as "the British rule because they are wicked people"—left a lasting ideological impression. His curiosity and developing worldview were shaped further by the intellectual environment of the time.

Interest in Science and Fireworks

He exhibited a fascination with chemistry and pyrotechnics during his youth. During a Kali Puja festival, he and his brother Bhavesh created a homemade firecracker that startled the neighbourhood. Although considered a mischievous prank, the episode hinted at his future engagement in revolutionary activities involving explosives.

Entrance Examination and the Bengal Renaissance

In 1914, Majumdar passed the Entrance Examination from Basirhat High School with distinction. This academic success occurred against the backdrop of the Bengal Renaissance, a period marked by intellectual awakening and socio-political reform. The atmosphere of nationalist thought and reformist zeal greatly influenced his early political development.

Higher education and Student life in Calcutta

Move to Calcutta and Academic Pursuits

Following his secondary education, Majumdar relocated to Kolkata for higher studies. He lived at 7 Ram Mohan Roy Road, the residence of his uncle Harimohan Majumdar, which served as a shared home for several young students in the extended family. He completed his Intermediate in Science (I.Sc.) with honors from City College, followed by a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. Later, he enrolled in legal studies in Calcutta University, regarding formal education as a strategic means to contribute more effectively to the national movement.

Commitment to Justice and Social Activism

Majumdar's sense of justice manifested even during his student years. In one noted case, he intervened to help a widow whose land had been usurped by a local moneylender. With assistance from his close friend Anujacharan Sengupta, he successfully negotiated the return of the property through peaceful means. This episode is remembered as an early example of his dedication to justice and moral action.

Emerging Revolutionary Sentiment

Community Engagement and Voluntary Service

Alongside Anujacharan Sengupta, Majumdar actively participated in community welfare efforts, including firefighting during a blaze in Rasulpur and providing aid to the ill. These acts reflected the spirit of service and self-reliance that characterized many youth involved in the nationalist cause at the time.

Family Support and Political Environment

Majumdar's younger brothers, Bhavesh and Prakash, later joined him in Kolkata, while the eldest brother, Abinash, ran a small contracting business. Abinash is said to have observed a deepening seriousness and idealism in Dinesh. The third floor of their house became a gathering place for passionate discussions on politics, philosophy, and national duty. These sessions reinforced his evolving nationalist ideology.

Ideological Transformation and Physical Training

Shift Toward Active Resistance

Majumdar came to believe that India's liberation could not be attained through petitions or passive resistance, but would require personal sacrifice and active confrontation with colonial power. This ideological transformation became a guiding principle for his future revolutionary engagements.

Training at Simla Byayam Samiti

Alongside academic activities, Majumdar trained physically at the Simla Byayam Samiti, where he became skilled in lathi-khela (traditional stick fighting). His proficiency earned him a leadership position in the organization's martial drills. In one instance, he was appointed to maintain order during a public procession, a role that further demonstrated his discipline and leadership qualities.

Revolutionary Activities

Mentorship and Early Influence

By the early 1930s, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar had become a committed and disciplined figure within Bengal's underground nationalist movement. His revolutionary orientation was significantly shaped under the mentorship of Bipin Behari Ganguli, a veteran nationalist and prominent organizer. Under Ganguli's guidance, Majumdar adopted the values of sacrifice, secrecy, and organized struggle, which became central to his revolutionary life.

Majumdar also drew inspiration from earlier nationalist efforts, particularly the First World War era revolutionary movements led by (Bagha Jatin)Jatindranath Mukherjee. Narratives of resilience, such as the story of Shaileshwar Bose, the ailing head of a secret base in Balasore who was nursed by Anujacharan Sengupta, left a deep impression on Dinesh and his peers.

Association with Yugantar

Dinesh Majumdar formally joined the Jugantar group, a clandestine anti-British revolutionary organization operating in Bengal. The group emphasized strict physical training, with even female members instructed in lathi-khela and dagger combat. During his time as a student, Majumdar undertook physical and mental training at the Simla Byayam Samiti, further developing his discipline and martial skills.

While pursuing higher education—including a B.A. in 1928 and later legal studies—he remained actively involved in Yugantar's underground activities. His contributions were especially notable in the mobilization of women into the nationalist cause.

Role in Women's Political Awakening

One of Majumdar's most significant achievements was his mentorship of young women in the freedom struggle. He played a pivotal role in nurturing the Chhatri Sangha (Women's Student League), an affiliate of Yugantar that provided a platform for revolutionary training and ideological development among women.

Among those who came under his influence was Kamala Dasgupta, a student who would later become a prominent revolutionary herself. Recognizing her potential, Dinesh mentored her in both organizational and ideological aspects of the movement. His guidance helped bring many women into active roles, including Kalyani Das, Sulata Kar, Ava De, Suhasini Ganguly, Snehasini Dutta, Shantisudha Ghosh, Prabhatnalini Devi, Surama Mitra, and Leela Kamle.

Dinesh trained these recruits not only in physical combat but also in the ethics and rigors of revolutionary life—emphasizing discipline, secrecy, courage, and resilience.

Conflict with Colonial Authorities

The Figure of Charles Tegart

The 1920s saw heightened revolutionary activity in Bengal, leading to an aggressive crackdown by the British administration. At the forefront of these efforts was Sir Charles Augustus Tegart, then Commissioner of the Calcutta Police. An Irish officer of the Indian Imperial Police, Tegart had joined in 1901 and became head of the Special Branch in 1906. Known for his intelligence operations and undercover surveillance, he became a prime adversary of Indian revolutionaries.

Tegart gained notoriety for his role in the 1915 Balasore encounter that led to the death of Bagha Jatin. He survived multiple assassination attempts. In January 1924, revolutionary Gopinath Saha mistakenly killed British civilian Ernest Day, believing him to be Tegart. Saha was executed in March 1924, leaving a warning in his final words: "Mr. Tegart may think he is safe—but he is not. I failed to finish the work. I leave it to others."

Sir Charles Augustus Tegart

Assassination Attempt on Tegart

Planning and Preparations

Following Saha's execution, members of Jugantar party renewed efforts to assassinate Sir Charles Tegart, viewing him as a symbol of colonial repression. At a key planning session, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar volunteered for the mission, supported by his close associate Anujacharan Sengupta, along with Atul Sen and Shailen Niyogi.

The team received detailed instructions on the use of TNT-based explosives, with emphasis on igniting the fuse using a cigarette rather than a match for greater discretion. Even non-smokers were advised to practice smoking to ensure precision.

Shailen Niyogi conducted reconnaissance to determine Tegart's routine, confirming that he typically arrived at Lalbazar around 11 a.m. Dinesh, Anuja, and Bhupendra Kumar Datta corroborated this information, despite Tegart's frequent vehicle changes to avoid detection.

Final Days Before the Operation

Farewell Encounters

In the days leading up to the attempted assassination in August 1930, Dinesh paid a quiet visit to Kamala Dasgupta. She recalled in her memoirs that he appeared unusually introspective and was smoking a cigarette—atypical for his normally austere habits. Their conversation included cryptic references to the fleeting nature of life, which she later interpreted as a silent farewell.

Bound by revolutionary secrecy, Kamala did not press for details. Her sister, Kalyani Das, also recalled Dinesh's final approach shortly before 25 August 1930, when he expressed a sense of urgency, telling her, "From now on, we must work even closer together." These interactions occurred just days before the attempt on Tegart's life.

None to escape

Bombing Attempt – 25 August 1930

On the morning of 25 August 1930, at approximately 11 a.m., Tegart's car was proceeding from Kyd Street towards Lalbazar, keeping to the left side of Dalhousie Square East, adjacent to tram lines. Two bombs were hurled in quick succession—The explosion shattered the glass windows of Harold’s Music Store and the Thomas Cook & Sons showroom, damaged two parked cars, and injured a porter (coolie), two constables, and two civilians. According to Amrita Bazar Patrika, the wounded passers-by were identified as Mulchand, a chaprasi at the Hastings Jute Mill in Rishra, and Tufani Dosad, a resident of Tikiapara, Howrah. Shards of metal from the blast caused widespread chaos in the busy commercial district.

Startled by the explosion, Tegart—seated in the rear of the vehicle—instinctively drew his revolver. At that very moment, a second, more powerful bomb was hurled at his car. It detonated close to the vehicle, badly damaging one of its wheels and the door, but once again, Tegart escaped serious harm.

The two attackers, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar and Anujacharan Sengupta, had meticulously planned the operation. In order to avoid suspicion before the attack, both men had been seen smoking cigarettes casually among the morning crowd. Unbeknownst to onlookers, the cigarettes were not only part of their disguise but also served a critical tactical purpose: the lit cigarettes were used to ignite the bombs' fuses moments before they were thrown at Tegart's car.

From left to right:The bomb effectiveness can be seen through the damaged car wheel & door of Charles Tegart

Death of Anujacharan Sengupta

However, the operation did not go exactly as planned. Anuja was gravely wounded when one of the bombs detonated prematurely exploding before he could throw it. Anuja attempted to escape by mingling with the crowd. Wounded by his own explosive, he collapsed in front of the Dalhousie Institute, approximately fifty yards from the bombing site. Blood loss from multiple splinter wounds rendered him unconscious. A waterproof coat and his revolver were found beside him. He was taken to Lalbazar Police Station, where he succumbed to his injuries. Upon examination, authorities recovered a .450 Bore revolver and two live bombs. A later coroner's inquest, held on 2 September 1930, confirmed eight splinter injuries and massive internal bleeding as the cause of death.

From left to right: Revolver recovered from Anujacharan Sengupta and his portrait.

Capture of Dinesh

Meanwhile Dinesh, was seen fleeing along the southern edge of Dalhousie Square. A bomb shrapnel had pierced his right arm. Chased by a traffic constable; he briefly entered a taxi before being intercepted by a telegraph office employee Mr. Jennings. Drawing his revolver, he threatened the man and fled down Wellesley Place, where he was ultimately apprehended in Government Place. He was taken into custody at Hare Street Police Station.

From left to right: Revolver and bullets recovered from Dinesh Majumdar.

Upon arrest, Majumdar was found carrying a loaded .320 bore revolver (with four spent cartridges and one misfire), a live aluminium-shelled bomb, a cigar, and a small amount of currency.

Immediately after the assassination attempt, Sir Charles Tegart personally visited Hare Street police station and recorded the incident himself. He later spoke to reporters, recounting the event, though his version slightly differed from the Amrita Bazar Patrika’s report. In an interview with The Statesman, he remarked, “We have known for some time past that a recrudescence of terrorist activity was to be expected.” Tegart received congratulations from the Viceroy of India, the Governor of Bengal, Bengal Assembly members, and global institutions. Alfred Watson, editor of The Statesman, condemned the violence and praised Tegart in a detailed editorial.

A hand-made TNT hand grenade seized from Dinesh on August 1930: The bomb’s shell was made of aluminium. It was cut into serrated sections, each of which was intended to fly off like bullets when exploded.

Trial & Sentencing

Following the failed assassination attempt on Police Commissioner Sir Charles Tegart on 25 August 1930, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar was arrested and subsequently brought to trial before the Alipore Special Tribunal on 11 September 1930. The colonial authorities charged him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosive Substances Act. The formal charges included:

• Conspiracy to assassinate Sir Charles Tegart in collaboration with Anujacharan Sengupta,
• Attempted murder in furtherance of a common intention,
• Abetment and malicious causation of explosions,
• Possession of explosives likely to endanger life, and
• Possession of a loaded bomb.

On 18 September 1930, the tribunal delivered its verdict. Dinesh was sentenced to transportation for life on three counts: criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, and possession of explosives. In addition, he was sentenced to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment for possession of a loaded bomb. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

Despite the severity of the sentence, Majumdar—then just 22 years old—remained composed in the courtroom.

The Anandabazar Patrika, wrote on 20 December 1930 :

"In the Alipore Special Tribunal's judgment, Dinesh Majumdar, accused in the attack on Kolkata Police Commissioner Sir Charles Tegart, has been sentenced to life imprisonment and deportation. Even after hearing this verdict, Dinesh remained utterly calm and composed. His face showed no fear or regret, only a steadfast, detached silence. A mere 22-year-old youth. A student at Calcutta University's Law College. He who was meant to study the law now stood condemned by its merciless judgment."

— The judgment of Dinesh Majumdar, Anandabazar Patrika, 20th September 1930

On 17 October 1930, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar was transferred to Midnapore Central Jail, where he was designated a Category 'C' political prisoner, a classification reserved for revolutionaries deemed particularly dangerous by the colonial administration.

Escape from Midnapore Prison

After his conviction and transfer to Midnapore Central Jail as a Category C prisoner—a classification used for politically dangerous individuals—Dinesh Majumdar remained undeterred in his commitment to revolutionary activities. By early 1931, the underground revolutionary network in Bengal was quietly reorganizing. With Nalini Mohan Das reportedly back in Kolkata and Kamala Dasgupta on assignment, the time was deemed ripe for a bold escape to reignite the movement.

Planning the Escape

Despite the imposing structure of the jail—deemed virtually unscalable—Dinesh and his fellow inmates began meticulous planning in absolute secrecy. Key to their efforts was the support of sympathetic prison staff, including cooks, sweepers, and postmen, who discreetly smuggled tools and materials. Among the items they secured was a large iron ladle, which was bent into a hook, and knotted strips of cloth fashioned into a makeshift rope.

To deceive the guards during the routine "counting time", the revolutionaries hung up clothes in strategic ways to obstruct direct visibility into their cell.

The Escape – February 8, 1931

On the night of 8 February 1931, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar, along with fellow imprisoned revolutionaries Sushil Dasgupta and Sachin Kar Gupta, hid inside the massive furnace of the jail’s laundry area—a location unlikely to be searched. As darkness fell and the last patrol footsteps faded, the trio emerged and made their way to the wall.

Using the hooked ladle and cloth-rope, they began their ascent, one by one. Dinesh was the last to climb. Not wanting to leave behind any evidence, he tossed the hook and rope far from the wall before leaping down. He landed hard, sustaining injuries to both knees, but the pain was nothing compared to the intoxicating sensation of freedom—they had succeeded.

From left to right: Those who escaped from Midnapore prison. Dinesh Majumdar, Sushil Dasgupta & Sachin Kar Gupta.

Rejection of Exile and Renewed Revolutionary Activities

Offer of Escape to Japan

After his dramatic escape from Midnapore Central Jail on the night of February 8, 1931, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar initially took shelter at his maternal sister’s residence in Beliaghata, a densely populated neighbourhood in north-eastern Calcutta (now Kolkata). The modest household, tucked away from prying eyes, served as a temporary refuge while police forces scoured the city and countryside in search of the fugitives. There, Dinesh recuperated from his knee injuries sustained during the escape and re-established contact with his underground comrades.

Through underground channels, contact was successfully established with Rash Behari Bose, the veteran revolutionary leader residing in Japan. Bose readily agreed to provide Dinesh with shelter and support in Tokyo. For many, this seemed a prudent and strategic move.

Dinesh’s Refusal to Flee

However, Dinesh firmly refused to leave India. He reportedly declared:

“Work comes first—everything else later. If needed, I’ll give my life, but I won’t abandon my work to leave the country.”

True to his resolve, Dinesh immediately shifted focus toward his next mission.

Attempts to murder Statesman editor

Dinesh identified Alfred Watson, the editor of The Statesman (India), as a principal target. Watson had long been viewed by nationalists as a mouthpiece of British imperial policy. Through editorials and news coverage, The Statesman frequently vilified the revolutionary movement and defended repressive colonial actions. For Dinesh and his comrades, Watson became a symbol of imperialist propaganda.

Failed Assassination Attempts

Under Dinesh’s leadership and strategic guidance, two daring assassination attempts were launched against Watson:

• The first attempt was carried out by Atul Sen, a close associate of Dinesh.
• The second attempt involved revolutionaries Anil Bhaduri and Mani Lahiri.

Both missions ultimately failed. Atul Sen, Anil Bhaduri, and Mani Lahiri died as a result of the operations, and several other participants were arrested and deported in the aftermath. Despite the sacrifices, the objective was not entirely in vain—Alfred Watson eventually fled India, shaken by the repeated threats to his life.

These failed attempts, though tragic, became powerful symbols of the uncompromising zeal of Bengal's revolutionaries.

Life in Absconding

Following his sensational escape from Midnapore Jail on February 8, 1931, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar, along with fellow revolutionaries Sushil Dasgupta, Sachin Kar Gupta, and Nalini Das, became one of the most hunted men in British India. The daring jailbreak humiliated the colonial authorities and triggered a widespread crackdown. Dinesh was now a marked man—with a reward on his head, dead or alive.

Close Call in Chuchura

A major incident occurred near Chuchura on the Grand Trunk Road, where three young men cycling suspiciously drew police attention. When challenged, Sachin Kar Gupta was captured, but Dinesh once again escaped.

Anandabazar Patrika reported on 22 December 1932:

“Three youths were spotted near Chuchura on the Grand Trunk Road. One arrested was identified as Sachin Kargupta. Dinesh Majumdar, and Nalini Das remain at large, with rewards of 1,500 rupees for Dinesh and 1,000 rupees each for the others.”

Wandering Through the Hinterlands

After this near-arrest, Dinesh’s life became a fugitive’s odyssey. He travelled across the jungles of Bankura, Purulia, and the remote villages of Jharkhand, often traveling on foot, sleeping in forests, and living on minimal resources. He blended among the rural poor, assuming disguises and working odd jobs to avoid suspicion.

In Raniganj, Dinesh found employment in a colliery, working as a labourer for just three annas a day. He adopted the alias “Tinku Majhi”, pretending to be a Santal coolie, burying his former identity as a law student and revolutionary.

But his refined speech and reserved nature soon raised doubts. Locals speculated that he might be a fugitive murderer or bandit. Recognizing the growing risk, Dinesh fled once again, disappearing into the shadows under the cover of night.

Sanctuary in Chandannagar

Eventually, Dinesh reached Chandannagar, the French enclave near Kolkata, where he found shelter among loyalists. Dr. Hirendranath Chatterjee and Dasarathi Ghosh provided refuge, while fugitives like Nalini Mohan Das and Biren Roy joined him. There, the revolutionaries resumed planning and regrouped with renewed urgency. Chandannagar offered a temporary reprieve, but it was far from secure.

The Chandannagar Encounter

Police Raid at Chandannagar

Despite being under French jurisdiction, Chandannagar was not beyond the reach of British influence. On February 25, 1933, British intelligence received a tip-off about the presence of three revolutionaries hiding there. The French Commissioner, Monsieur Cuin, eager to strengthen diplomatic ties with the British, moved swiftly to act.

On the evening of March 9, 1933, at around 5 p.m., Monsieur Quinn, the French Commissioner of Police in Chandannagar, accompanied by a police contingent, approached a house suspected of sheltering revolutionaries. Upon arrival, Quinn spotted a young man sitting outside the premises. The man—alerted by their sudden presence—rushed indoors, likely to warn his comrades.

Moments later, three young men dressed in dhoti and coat dashed out of the house in a desperate attempt to escape. Biren Roy, one of them, tripped on a wayside bush and was immediately captured. The other two fugitives—Dinesh Chandra Majumdar and Nalini Mohan Das—managed to flee, swiftly disappearing from sight.

Assassination of Commissioner Quinn

While fleeing, one of the revolutionaries shot a young Bengali civilian who tried to intercept them, leaving him severely wounded and bleeding. Determined to pursue the fugitives, Commissioner Quinn mounted his bicycle and followed the likely route they had taken toward the Grand Trunk Road. There, he noticed two pedestrians walking ahead and cycled past them. Suspicious, he dismounted about ten yards ahead to question them.

As he approached, Dinesh drew a revolver and fired at point-blank range, hitting the Commissioner in the chest, temple, and face. A constable who attempted to assist was also wounded in the exchange.

Commissioner Quinn was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. His death caused an uproar within both the French colonial administrationFrench colonial administration and the British Raj. As a mark of diplomatic honour, his body was flown to France for burial.

Cornwallis Street Refuge and Final Arrest

After weeks of evading capture, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar quietly returned to Dr. Hirendranath Chatterjee’s residence in Chandannagar. With police scrutiny intensifying following the assassination of Commissioner Quinn, he deemed the location unsafe and fled on foot to Uttarpara, where he briefly took shelter at the home of Amarendranath Chatterjee. From there, he vanished once more into the anonymity of Kolkata.

In the city, Dinesh endured extreme hardship. With little access to food or support, he survived on scattered grains found at a horse stable. For three nights, he lay concealed in an idle horse cart, emerging only under cover of darkness. Weakened by fever, emaciation, and persistent cough, he refused pity, and even in illness, remained focused solely on the cause.

Seeking refuge, Dinesh moved into a rented house at 136/4-A Cornwallis Street, posing as a relative of Narayan Banerjee. Alongside him were Nalini Das and Jagadananda Mukherjee.

From left to right: Dinesh, Nalini Mohan Das and Jagadananda Mukherjee.

During this time, Kanai Banerjee, a sympathetic bank employee, came forward with an offer to procure funds for the movement. In exchange for a signed cheque, Kanai secured ₹27,000—a substantial sum intended solely for revolutionary activities. Though hesitant, Dinesh relented. Kanai was arrested soon after and imprisoned, but expressed pride in his contribution. Dinesh, despite his failing health, refused to use a single rupee for his own needs, insisting, “This money belongs to the party.”

However, the cheque transaction had alerted British intelligence, and acting on leads from informants, the police traced the revolutionaries to their hideout.

The Cornwallis Street Encounter and Arrest

On May 22, 1933, at 4 a.m., a heavily armed contingent of British police and CID officers surrounded 136/4-A Cornwallis Street. Nearby houses—136/3-A, 136/3-B, and 136/4-B—were cordoned off. Two teams took position on adjacent rooftops, preparing for a potential confrontation.

As an inspector approached the door, another crept toward a window. Suddenly, the window was flung open and a shot rang out, wounding the inspector in the shoulder. A fierce gunfight erupted. The revolutionaries, surrounded but determined, returned fire from within, while the police responded from narrow angles outside.

In the chaos, Nalini Das attempted a daring escape, climbing a water pipe supporting the veranda and leaping to a neighbouring rooftop. However, he was immediately apprehended by waiting police forces.

From left to right: Revolver seized from Dinesh Majumdar after Cornwallis street encounter & arrest.

Inside, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar and Jagadananda Mukherjee continued to resist despite being injured by gunfire. Refusing to surrender, they fired until their ammunition was exhausted. Only then, wounded and cornered, did they signal their decision to yield.

On May 22, 1933, Dinesh Majumdar was arrested from 136/3B, Cornwallis Street—a building that was likely numbered simply as 136 at the time, now seemingly divided into separate addresses, with the arrest believed to have occurred in the green first-floor section (now 136/3B) visible with a dish antenna on the right side of the building shown in the photograph, which also captures the signboard of the adjacent Minar Cinema.

At daybreak, revolvers were placed at the window as a token of surrender, and the revolutionaries emerged with quiet resolve, submitting to arrest.

The British authorities had finally captured one of Bengal’s most elusive and determined revolutionaries.

Trial and Death Sentence

Following his arrest after the dramatic encounter at Cornwallis Street, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar, along with Nalini Das, Jagadananda Mukherjee, and Narayan Banerjee (who had provided shelter), was brought to trial before a Special Tribunal at Alipore Sessions Court. The trial began on October 5, 1933, under the presidency of Mr. H. C. Stork.

On October 10, 1933, Dinesh was sentenced to death on the charge of murdering French Police Commissioner Quinn during his period as an escaped convict serving a life sentence. The court found no extenuating circumstances to mitigate the punishment. His co-accused, Nalini Das and Jagadananda Mukherjee, were sentenced to transportation for life, while Narayan Banerjee was punished for harbouring fugitives.

An appeal was filed with the Calcutta High Court, but it was rejected on January 15, 1934, confirming the death sentence.

Despite the gravity of the verdict, Dinesh reportedly remained calm and composed, accepting his fate with stoic resolve. To many, he epitomized the revolutionary ideal of self-sacrifice and dedication to the national cause.

While imprisoned, Dinesh wrote a poignant New Year’s letter on the 1st of Boishakh, 1341 (April 14, 1934), addressed to his elder brother Abinash Majumdar:

“The first rain of the year came on Wednesday night, as if to wash the world clean. The roar of the wind reaches my ears—perhaps it is the storm of Kalbaishakhi. But today, my heart does not dance in the wind as it once did. So many dear friends left without a word—friends I never wanted to say goodbye to.

Amidst the storm, I feel a deeper punishment; amidst the roar, I hear a serene melody. Within this tremendous clamour, a single note rings in my heart.

On this New Year, I offer my respects to you all and love to the young ones.”

This letter stands as a deeply human expression of his final reflections, tinged with sorrow, yet also with transcendence. It has since been regarded as a literary and emotional testament to the inner world of a revolutionary preparing for martyrdom.

From left to right: Dinesh Majumdar's letter from Alipore Central Jail.

Execution and Aftermath

By mid-1934, Dinesh’s health had deteriorated sharply, plagued by fever and a persistent cough, delaying the carrying out of his sentence. Eventually, in the early hours of June 9, 1934, he was hanged to death.

In an act of cruelty emblematic of colonial repression, he was denied a final meeting with his family. Furthermore, the British authorities refused to hand over his body, preventing Hindu cremation rites. Instead, Dinesh’s remains were cremated within the prison compound, and his ashes were thrown into the Ganges River, a violation of both custom and dignity.

Dinesh Chandra Majumdar was the last of the revolutionaries to be hanged in Alipore jail. He came to symbolize the unyielding spirit of the Indian freedom struggle, his life and death echoing the sacrifices of countless unnamed patriots who chose the path of resistance at any cost.

the gallows at alipore central jail

Legacy

Though not as widely commemorated as some of his contemporaries, Dinesh Majumdar’s contribution holds a distinct place in the chronicles of anti-colonial resistance. He belonged to a rare cadre of revolutionaries who, even after enduring imprisonment and torture, continued to challenge imperial power with renewed resolve. His daring escape from Midnapore district Jail in 1932, executed under extreme surveillance, stunned the colonial authorities and became a source of inspiration for fellow freedom fighters. This escape was not just a personal triumph but a political act—one that demonstrated the revolutionary commitment to challenge British authority even from behind bars.

On May 22, 1933, Dinesh Majumdar was arrested from 136/3B, Cornwallis Street; a plaque is now installed at the base of that building, although it is not always clearly visible due to the crowd of hawkers and passersby.

Equally legendary was his decision to refuse asylum in Japan, despite having secured a safe route through Rash Behari Bose. This act of prioritising personal safety over continuing underground revolutionary operations in India exemplifies Dinesh’s profound sense of duty. He famously declared, “Work comes first—everything else later. If needed, I’ll give my life, but I won’t abandon my work to leave the country.” These words have since become emblematic of his unflinching patriotism.

Bust of Sahid Dinesh Chandra Majumdar at Basirhat

Dinesh's organizational skills and leadership qualities also left a lasting impact. He was deeply involved in planning several high-profile operations, including assassination attempts on colonial propagandists like Alfred Watson, the editor of The Statesman. Though these missions failed and the loss of close comrades, they were emblematic of the fearless opposition to British dominance in both governance and media.

Dinesh Majumdar's name can be seen in last amongst the list of Martyrs who were hanged in Alipore Central Jail.

Film adaptations

Dinesh Majumdar’s legacy also found a place in Bengali cinema. In 1972, the film Shapath Nilam, directed by Sachin Adhikari, brought his story to the silver screen. The role of Dinesh was portrayed with intensity by Samit Bhanja, while Subhendu Chatterjee played Anujcharan Sengupta, another revolutionary figure. The film’s emotional tone was further enriched by a memorable song sung by the legendary playback singer Manna Dey. Shapath Nilam became an important cultural homage, helping a new generation discover the story of a freedom fighter who had been largely forgotten by mainstream narratives.

The British authorities tried to suppress his legacy by denying him funeral rites and dispersing his ashes in secret. However, such actions only intensified his martyrdom. Over time, memorials and remembrances have kept his story alive. His life has been chronicled in memoirs, nationalist literature, and oral histories passed down through generations.

In the annals of India’s freedom struggle, Dinesh Chandra Majumdar represents the quiet heroism of those who neither sought fame nor power but dedicated themselves to liberation with relentless passion. His life and death remain a beacon for generations who seek courage in the face of injustice and a reminder that revolutionary ideals often come wrapped in the silence of sacrifice.

See also

• Gopinath Saha
• Subhas Chandra Bose
• Kanailal Dutta
• Rash Behari Bose

Bibliography

• Hemendranath Dasgupta, Bharater Biplab Kahini, II & III, Calcutta, 1948;
• Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, History of the Freedom Movement in India, III, Calcutta 1963;
• Biplabi Master Jyotish Ghosh Kahini by Anil Kumar Ghosh.
• Abishmaraniya by Ganganarayan Chandra
• Amar dekhe biplab o biplabi by Motilal Roy
• Swarane Barane Biplabacharya Master Jyotish Ghosh by Meghnath Chandra