India’s freedom struggle is often remembered through the iconic images of Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful protests or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s call to arms. But hidden behind these headlines are countless lesser-known stories of courage—stories that roared like thunder but were forgotten in the storm of time. One such powerful episode occurred in Kolkata in 1930, when three young men—Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta—dared to storm the very heart of British colonial power.
Armed with revolvers and a burning desire for freedom, these three revolutionaries marched into the Writers’ Building, the nerve center of British administration in Bengal. What followed was a fierce gunfight, a bold assassination, and a sacrifice that ignited the patriotic flame in the hearts of millions. This is their story.
The British Stronghold: Writers’ Building in Colonial India
The Writers’ Building, built during the British East India Company era, was originally meant for clerks or “writers.” But by the early 20th century, it became the office of high-ranking British officials. To freedom fighters, it was more than a building—it was a symbol of British control over Bengal.
At that time, Colonel N.S. Simpson, the Inspector General of Prisons, operated from the Writers’ Building. He was notorious for the torture and inhuman treatment of Indian political prisoners. His actions drew the attention and anger of young revolutionaries, particularly those belonging to a group called Bengal Volunteers, who were determined to remove such tyrants.
Meet the Revolutionaries
Benoy Krishna Basu
Born in 1908 in present-day Bangladesh, Benoy was a medical student in Kolkata. Intelligent and idealistic, he believed that direct action was the need of the hour. He joined Bengal Volunteers with the intent of striking at the roots of oppression.
Badal Gupta
Born in 1912 in Bikrampur, Badal was the youngest among the three. He was inspired by stories of sacrifice and was determined to lay down his life for the country if needed.
Dinesh Chandra Gupta
Dinesh, born in 1911, was another bright student from Bikrampur. He admired national heroes and believed that heroic sacrifice would inspire a wave of resistance across India.
Together, these three formed a tight-knit unit. Though young, they were united by an unshakable belief: India must be free, and injustice must be punished.
The Plan: Precision with a Purpose
The trio did not act impulsively. Their mission was carefully planned. Disguised in European-style clothing, they intended to walk into the Writers’ Building unnoticed, locate Colonel Simpson, and assassinate him.
Their weapons: automatic pistols and cyanide capsules—to either fight to the death or take their own lives rather than be captured.
Their mindset: not survival, but sacrifice.
8 December 1930: The Day of Reckoning
At around 2:00 PM on 8 December 1930, Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh walked calmly into the Writers’ Building. Dressed like professionals, they aroused no suspicion. But under their jackets, they carried pistols ready to roar.
Soon, they found their target—Colonel N.S. Simpson—and opened fire. The colonel fell dead almost immediately. Within seconds, chaos erupted. British police officers and guards returned fire, and the trio took defensive positions inside the corridors of the building.
The gunfight raged for nearly an hour. The British forces tried to overpower them, but the revolutionaries refused to surrender.
Realizing that they were cornered and that capture would lead to torture and public humiliation, they acted as planned:
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Badal consumed potassium cyanide and died instantly.
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Benoy shot himself and succumbed to his injuries a few days later on 13 December 1930.
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Dinesh, though severely wounded, survived. He was arrested, tried, and later hanged on 7 July 1931.
Reactions and Ripples: Bengal Wakes Up
News of the daring assassination and the dramatic gun battle spread like wildfire. For many Indians, especially in Bengal, these three became instant heroes.
Their deaths weren't in vain—they:
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Exposed the brutality of British officials like Simpson.
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Revived revolutionary zeal in Bengal at a time when it was beginning to fade.
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Inspired youth to believe that courage could challenge even the strongest empire.
Their act was not one of terrorism, but one of protest—violent, yes, but focused, precise, and symbolic.
Honoring the Martyrs: Living Legacies
Though they died young, the names of Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh continue to live on in Bengal’s collective memory.
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The site of their attack, Dalhousie Square, was renamed B.B.D. Bagh in their honor.
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A statue of the trio, holding pistols, now stands proudly in front of the Writers’ Building.
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Every year, on 8 December, tributes are paid to their memory through public events and political ceremonies.
Their story is part of textbooks, plays, poems, and murals, ensuring that future generations know what they gave up for India.
The Larger Picture: Youth in the Freedom Struggle
Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh represented a new wave of young Indians who were restless, fearless, and ready to die young if it meant a free tomorrow. They did not have powerful political backing or international fame. What they had was:
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Conviction
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Courage
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Clarity of purpose
In their own way, they were as influential as Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. Their method—selective assassination of tyrannical British officers—was controversial, but it sparked fear in the minds of colonial rulers and hope in the hearts of ordinary Indians.
What Makes Their Story Special?
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They struck at the very heart of British bureaucracy.
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They avoided harming innocent people.
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They chose death over surrender.
At a time when most people were hesitant to speak against the British openly, these young men took guns into the lion’s den.
They showed that acts of bravery do not require a large army or huge funds—only courage and conviction.
A Message That Echoes Across Time
More than 90 years later, the names of Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh still echo through the halls of Indian history. In today’s world, where freedom is often taken for granted, their story reminds us that our rights were earned through blood, pain, and incredible sacrifice.
They also teach us that:
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Age is no barrier to courage.
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Oppression, when fought with unity and conviction, can be defeated.
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History often forgets quiet heroes—but we must not.
Conclusion: A Salute to Silent Thunder
Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta didn’t seek fame. They didn’t expect medals. They wanted freedom—and were willing to give everything for it.
Their gunshots inside the Writers’ Building were not just bullets—they were messages written in courage. Messages that said:
“We are not afraid.”
“We will not bow.”
“We will fight, and if needed, die.”
Their sacrifice was not just for Bengal, but for all of India. And though time may pass, true bravery never fades.
Let us remember them—not just as footnotes in history—but as symbols of what one act of fearless patriotism can achieve.
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