shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > News > India News > Article > Netaji died in air crash tales of non existent afterlife are attempts to exploit his popularity Sugata Bose

Netaji died in air crash, tales of non-existent afterlife are attempts to exploit his popularity: Sugata Bose

Updated on: 21 August,2022 02:59 PM IST  |  Kolkata
PTI |

Trashing theories about the patriot's mysterious disappearance after that date, Sugato Bose said the recently launched book by his late mother, Krishna Bose titled "The life and struggle of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose" which traverses Netaji's life from his childhood to his mortal end on August 18, 1945, and vividly reveals the truths

Netaji died in air crash, tales of non-existent afterlife are attempts to exploit his popularity: Sugata Bose

File Photo

Accusing opportunists of exploiting Netaji's popularity to peddle bogus tales about his "disappearance" in 1945 and his "non-existent afterlife post-1945," Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grandnephew and noted historian Sugata Bose said this has pained many in the Bose family immensely.


"There is no doubt that he was killed in air crash," Bose, Gardiner Chair at Harvard University and former MP, told PTI.


Trashing theories about the patriot's mysterious disappearance after that date, Bose said the recently launched book by his late mother, Krishna Bose titled "The life and struggle of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose" which traverses Netaji's life from his childhood to his mortal end on August 18, 1945, and vividly reveals the truths.


Bose said "my mother was very annoyed" by bogus tales about Netaji's "disappearance" in 1945 and his "non-existent afterlife post-1945. There is no doubt that he was killed in air crash. All the later theories about his presence have no basis."

To a question, he said if the ashes of Netaji kept in Renkoji temple in Japan are brought to the country that should be done in a proper solemn manner, with due dignity and respect to the great warrior.

A chapter in the book, is devoted to a single, long article titled 'Abid Hasan's Eyewitness Account' reaffirming the crash theory.

Also Read: 'There was no guilt or remorse': Bilkis Bano's lawyer after release of 11 rapists

Hasan, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's trusted aide in INA, had narrated to Krishna Bose, a former MP, the leader's last journey by air from Bangkok to Saigon in August 1945 and the fateful crash.

Bose told PTI, "mother had a marathon interview with Abid Hasan lasting several days, which she conducted in 1976 in our home Basundhara, around 2 km from Netaji Research Bureau."

Hasan, who became a diplomat after independence, had narrated to Krishna Bose how he joined Netaji's struggle in Germany in mid-1941 and the momentous 93-day submarine voyage from northern Europe to eastern Asia in the first half of 1943.

Hasan had told Krishna Bose about how he accompanied Netaji on his last journey on August 17, 1945 from Bangkok to Saigon little knowing that would be the last with his friend and guide in life.

From there Netaji flew along with his chief of staff Habibur Rahman to Taipei "and the greatest tragedy in India's recent history occurred soon afterwards" as the plane took off from Taipei on August 18, 1945 to be rocked by mid-air and then crashed, Hasan had told Krishna Bose.

According to Hasan, Netaji was badly burnt as was Rahman who was sitting behind him. However, Netaji's condition was far more serious. Attempts to save him at a nearby military hospital were unsuccessful and he died that evening.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK