In the heart of Kolkata stands an old, red-brick colonial building – the Writers' Building. Today, it houses offices, but in the 1930s, it was the center of British bureaucratic power in Bengal. While millions struggled under colonial rule, a few brave souls decided to challenge the mighty British Empire in bold and unforgettable ways. Among them were three young revolutionaries – Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta.
Their daring attack on the Writers' Building on 8 December 1930 shook the British administration to its core. It wasn’t just a rebellion; it was a statement – that India's youth were not afraid to die for freedom. Their story, though not as widely known as that of Bhagat Singh or Subhas Chandra Bose, deserves to be remembered with equal pride and honor.
Bengal’s Burning Spirit: The Backdrop
In the early 20th century, Bengal was a hotbed of revolutionary activity. The youth of Bengal were inspired by the sacrifices of freedom fighters and were increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of the non-violent struggle. British policies were repressive, and the jails were full of political prisoners being treated inhumanely.
Among the worst symbols of this oppression was the Inspector General of Prisons, Colonel N.S. Simpson, infamous for his brutal treatment of Indian prisoners. For many revolutionaries, Simpson was the face of colonial cruelty.
In this climate of rage and resistance, a secret group called Bengal Volunteers was formed, determined to eliminate British officials who were symbols of tyranny. Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh were part of this group.
The Brave Trio: Who Were Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh?
Benoy Krishna Basu (1908–1930)
Benoy was born in Munshiganj (now in Bangladesh). A bright student, he joined the medical college in Kolkata but was drawn to revolutionary politics. He became active in underground activities and showed immense courage at a young age.
Badal Gupta (1912–1930)
Born in the village of Bikrampur, Badal was deeply influenced by the struggle for freedom from an early age. Known for his calm nature and strong ideals, he joined Bengal Volunteers and became friends with other revolutionaries.
Dinesh Chandra Gupta (1911–1931)
Dinesh was also from Bikrampur and a brilliant student. He shared Benoy and Badal’s desire to do something bold to shake the roots of British authority.
The three of them were young – all under 22 – yet their sense of patriotism was stronger than fear of death.
The Writers’ Building Attack: A Mission of No Return
On 8 December 1930, dressed in European attire to avoid suspicion, Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh entered the heavily guarded Writers’ Building in Dalhousie Square, Kolkata. Their goal: to assassinate Colonel N.S. Simpson, who worked there as the Inspector General of Prisons.
The trio moved through the corridors with pistols hidden under their clothes. Once they spotted Simpson, they opened fire. Simpson died on the spot. Immediately, a gun battle broke out between the revolutionaries and the British police inside the building.
The fight lasted for almost an hour, echoing through the colonial walls. Surrounded and heavily outnumbered, the trio realized they would not be able to escape. Rather than surrender to the British, they decided to embrace martyrdom.
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Badal took potassium cyanide and died instantly.
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Benoy shot himself with his own pistol and later died in the hospital on 13 December 1930.
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Dinesh, though severely wounded, survived and was later captured by the British.
The Aftermath: Dinesh’s Execution and Public Reaction
Dinesh was put on trial for the assassination. Despite widespread protests and appeals for mercy, he was sentenced to death and hanged in Alipore Central Jail on 7 July 1931.
Their deaths stirred the conscience of the nation. Newspapers, poets, and students hailed them as martyrs. Streets in Kolkata and other parts of Bengal were filled with rallies, and the British government faced increasing pressure from both inside and outside India.
To honor their sacrifice, a section of Dalhousie Square was later renamed B.B.D. Bagh – after Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh. It remains one of Kolkata’s most iconic locations.
Symbols of Resistance: What Made Them Different?
While other revolutionaries used bombs and secret societies, Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh chose a direct attack on the colonial nerve center. This boldness had both symbolic and practical importance:
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Targeting Power Directly: They didn’t aim for random bombings. They attacked the face of oppression in broad daylight, in the heart of British power.
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Sacrifice as a Message: Their willingness to die rather than surrender inspired thousands. It proved that India’s youth would rather die than live as slaves.
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Unity in Purpose: Though from different villages and backgrounds, their shared goal bound them in unbreakable brotherhood.
Their names became symbols of courage and clarity – young minds who knew exactly what they stood for.
Legacy and Honors
Today, the memory of Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh lives on in Bengal and beyond:
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B.B.D. Bagh – Former Dalhousie Square in Kolkata, named after them.
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Statue in Writers' Building – A bronze statue of the trio stands at the entrance of the building where they made their last stand.
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School and College Lessons – Their story is now part of school textbooks in West Bengal and other states.
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Annual Tributes – Every year on 8 December, tributes are paid to the trio by local governments and political parties.
Their act of bravery became a turning point in the revolutionary movement of India and showed that the fight for independence was not just ideological but deeply emotional.
The Young Revolutionaries Who Inspired a Generation
Many freedom fighters were inspired by the sacrifice of Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh. Subhas Chandra Bose, who deeply respected youth participation in the freedom struggle, reportedly saw them as shining examples of Bengal’s fire. Poets wrote about them, students carried their photos in protest marches, and their legacy was passed on through generations.
In a world where most people fear death, these three boys showed how powerful life becomes when it is offered for a higher cause. They didn’t wait for the right age or perfect conditions – they acted.
Conclusion: The Unshaken Flame of Patriotism
The story of Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh is not just about a building or a British officer. It’s about courage, conviction, and sacrifice. These three young men lit a flame of patriotism in Bengal that never died. They were not soldiers in uniform, but warriors of spirit.
Even today, when we walk past B.B.D. Bagh in Kolkata, the air feels heavier – with history, heroism, and the echo of gunshots that once declared:
“India will not bow.”
Their message is timeless: Freedom demands courage. And even the youngest heart can hold the greatest strength.
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