Rajendra Nath Lahiri in the Kakori Conspiracy: A Revolutionary Who Defied the British Gallows

The Kakori conspiracy occupies a special and decisive place in India’s struggle for independence. It was the first instance when revolutionary freedom fighters openly seized the British government treasury, making it unmistakably clear that their struggle was not against the people, but against the oppressive colonial regime.

This bold action instilled confidence among the masses, reinforcing the belief that a government incapable of protecting its own treasury could hardly safeguard the lives and dignity of the people.

Death Sentence and Immortal Sacrifice

In the Kakori Conspiracy, four revolutionary heroes were sentenced to death. Among them, Rajendra Nath Lahiri was the first to be executed, on 17 December 1927, at the Gonda Jail in present-day Uttar Pradesh.

Before mounting the gallows, he raised the slogan “Vande Mataram” and declared, “I am not dying; I am going to be reborn in a free India to shake the very foundations of the British Empire.”

Hearing this fearless proclamation, the British authorities realised that the sons of Mother India would never allow them to live in peace.

Secret Cremation and the Lost Memorial

All four revolutionaries sentenced to death in the Kakori case were executed at different locations. Rajendra Nath Lahiri was cremated near Gonda Jail, on the banks of the Tedhi River, close to the Parade Government area.

Present at the time were his associates and social workers—Manmath Nath Gupta, Lal Bihari Tandon, Ishwar Sharan, and others—who buried a bottle in the ground to mark the exact spot. Over time, however, the precise location of this sacred site was lost.

Birth and Early Life

Rajendra Nath Lahiri was born on 23 June 1901 in Mohanapur village, in the Pabna district of present-day Bangladesh, to Basanta Kumari.

At the time of his birth, his father Kshitimo han Lahiri and elder brother were imprisoned for their participation in the Bengal Partition Movement.

At just nine years of age, he moved to Kashi (Varanasi) to live with his maternal uncle—an event that would shape the course of his revolutionary life.

Revolutionary Path and Organisation

In Kashi, Lahiri came into contact with the great revolutionary Sachindra Nath Sanyal.

Impressed by his iron determination, unwavering patriotism, and fearless courage, he was inducted into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) and appointed in charge of Banaras.

He became an integral part of secret meetings and sacrificial missions undertaken for the liberation of the nation.

The Kakori Plan and Execution

The revolutionary movement urgently required funds to advance its activities. To meet this need, a plan was devised to seize the British government treasury.

On 9 August 1925, at approximately 6:00 PM, the government treasury being transported on the Eight Down Train from Lucknow was seized near Kakori Station.

After successfully completing the operation, the revolutionaries dispersed in different directions. The operation involved Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Thakur Roshan Singh, and 19 other revolutionaries.

Trial and Verdict

All arrested revolutionaries were charged with armed rebellion against the government and looting of the treasury.
On 6 April 1927, the Special Court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment, sentencing the following to death Rajendra Nath Lahiri, Ram Prasad Bismil, Roshan Singh and Ashfaqulla Khan.

A Frightened Regime and an Early Execution

While the other three revolutionaries were scheduled to be executed on 19 December 1927, the British administration—gripped by fear—executed Rajendra Nath Lahiri two days earlier, on 17 December 1927, inside Gonda Jail.

An Immortal Message

The sacrifice of Revolutionary Rajendra Nath Lahiri was not merely a death—it was a resounding declaration that shook the foundations of the British Empire.

His martyrdom continues to inspire generations with the ideals of freedom, courage, and supreme sacrifice, ensuring that the flame of independence never fades.