The Chauri Chaura incident, etched into the annals of Indian history, unfolded in February 1922 in Chauri Chaura, part of the Gorakhpur district under British rule in British India. The incident marked a significant turn of events during the Non-Cooperation Movement, as a large group of protesters clashed with the police, sparking a tragedy with profound implications.
Background and Events:
Two days before the Chauri Chaura Incident, on February 2, 1922, volunteers led by Bhagwan Ahir, a retired soldier, protested against high food prices and the sale of liquor in Gauri Bazaar. Inspector Gupteshwar Singh’s harsh response led to the arrests and detainment of leaders in the Chauri-Chaura police station. A protest against the police on February 4 escalated tensions.
On February 8, around 2,000 to 2,500 protesters marched towards Chauri Chaura’s Bazaar Lane to protest at Gauri Bazaar’s liquor shop. As armed police intervened, anti-British slogans echoed. Attempting to disperse the crowd, Inspector Gupteshwar Singh ordered shots fired in the air, leading to stone-pelting by the crowd.
The situation spiraled out of control, resulting in Sub-Inspector Prithvi Pal ordering the police to open fire, causing three civilian deaths and numerous injuries. The ensuing chaos saw police retreat to the shelter of the police post, which the enraged mob set ablaze, claiming the lives of all trapped inside, including Inspector Gupteshwar Singh.
Aftermath and Results:
The Chauri Chaura incident had far-reaching consequences. Mahatma Gandhi, a vocal advocate of non-violence, announced the end of the Non-Cooperation Movement, a decision met with opposition from some quarters, including revolutionaries. The Congress of 1922 witnessed dissent against Gandhi’s stance.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya played a crucial role in defending those accused in the Chauri-Chaura incident, succeeding in saving many from harsh sentences. However, 19 individuals were hanged, 14 received life sentences, and 19 faced eight years of rigorous imprisonment.
Memorial and Legacy:
A memorial was erected by the British government in memory of the slain policemen, later adorned with “Jai Hind” after independence. Local initiatives, like the ‘Shaheed Memorial Committee,’ paid tribute to the hanged revolutionaries. A triangular minaret, a memorial, and a library museum now stand in their memory.
The incident also inspired the film “Pratikhar Chaura Chauri,” directed by Abhik Bhanu, depicting the tragic events. A train named ‘Chauri-Chaura Express’ was introduced, commemorating the sacrifice of those involved in the incident. The Chauri Chaura incident remains a poignant chapter in India’s quest for freedom, illustrating the complexities and sacrifices embedded in the fight against colonial rule.
