2020-01-02 Thu

Vithal Laxman Kotwal aka Vir Bhai Kotwal was a social reformer and revolutionary who laid down his life in the freedom struggle of the country. Today marks the day when he sacrificed his life for the cause of the freedom of India.

With the advent of the Quit India Movement, he got fully involved and went underground. After the arrest of all the major leaders in India, an arrest warrant was also issued in the name of Bhai Kotwal. While underground he formed a group of underground mercenaries called "Kotwal Dasta", a parallel government in the Karjat taluka of Thane district.

To counter the menacing police announced a cash award of rupees 2500 leading to the arrest of Bhai Kotwal. Also, a special officer DSP R. Hall and Officer Stafford were called to counter Bhai Kotwal. On 2 January 1943 early morning when the Azad Dasta was preparing to shift to another safe place and was waiting for the help to come, R. Hall and Stafford attacked the Dasta members.

Bhai Kotwal got injured in the thigh and could not move. Hall killed him point-blank. He was one of the many lesser-known freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country. For his brave fight and sacrifice, he is now proudly called "Veer Bhai Kotwal", meaning warrior.

India Post issued a special cover on 1st December to honor the sacrifice of Bhai Kotwal. The cover depicts the photo of Bhai Kotwal with the inscription “Brave Martyr of Indian Freedom Struggle Bhai Kotwal” along with the years 1912-1943. The cancelation mark depicts the hand holding a torch with the place and the date of the issue.

Image Courtesy: http://philamirror.info

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