Born on 22nd October 1900, Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan was one of the greatest fighters who was actively involved in India’s freedom struggle. Although we don’t come across his name much often in the school History books, his love for the country and his dedication were commendable. Martyred at a very young age, he is one of those immortal revolutionaries who can never be forgotten.
On the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, let’s look at some instances of his life that show his unmatchable valor and unbeatable spirit.
Non-Cooperation Movement
In the year 1921, Mahatma Gandhi introduced the Non-cooperation movement whereby Indians neither paid taxes nor co-operated with the British government. The youth population took active participation in the movement.
However, in the Chauri Chaura violence incident when a police station was set on fire, Gandhiji called off the movement. This disappointed the youth and they emerged in the form of revolutionaries. Ashfaqulla Khan was one of these young men who wanted quick and stern action against the Britishers.
The militant group of these revolutionaries was led by Ramprasad Bismil who also hailed from Shahjahanpur. Both Bismil and Khan cultivated a strong bond and re-defined friendship. Despite having different religions and backgrounds, the two were adamant on just one goal-India’s freedom.
Hindustan Republic Association
The two friends along with Shachindra Nath Sanyal founded the Hindustan Republic Association. It aimed at getting India out of British rule through armed revolution. Since they needed money for the revolution, they came up with the plan of robbing the Kakori train which had Indians’ money locked in the vaults.
Kakori Train Robbery
On August 9, 1925, as the train from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow was about to reach Kakori, the chains were pulled and it came to a halt. Ashfaq, being the strongest in the group, kept fighting with all his strength, took the money out of the vaults and fled. After this, the government was keen on planning to set a trap to trace all the revolutionaries.
In 1925, when Ramprasad Bismil was arrested, Ashfaqulla managed to escape and fled to Bihar. After that, he reached Delhi and met a Pathan from Shahjahanpur. Ashfaqulla relied on the friend but due to the greed of the prize money on the former’s head, the Pathan betrayed him and got him arrested.
During the court proceeding, the Superintendent of Police, who was also a Muslim, asked Ashfaqulla to give a testimony against Bismil. He even tried to persuade him that Bismil wants to spread his religious ideologies to which Khan said, “Ram Prasad is my brother. I would rather die under the rule of Hindus than to live under the British rule.”
Death Sentence
A committee was formed to save the revolutionaries in the robbery case. However, it failed to save them from the punishment. Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were given death sentences while others were declared for lifetime imprisonment.
Last Words
While in jail, Ashfaqulla followed the strict Ramzan fasting and observed his prayers five times a day. On 19th December 1927, when he was being hanged, he courageously stepped forward, kissed the rope and said, “My hands are not soiled with the murder of man, God will give me justice.”
