BHUBNESHWAR: The history of the Indian freedom struggle is marked by bravery and selfless sacrifice. Countless nationalists have given their lives for a free India, including inspiring figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. Their indomitable spirits continue to motivate generations. However, many incidents and locations remain overlooked in history, leaving most people unaware of their significance.
Lunia now renamed as Sahid Nagar in Bhadrak district is a place that still bears the scars of one of the bloodiest massacres in history. On September 22, 1942, during one of the most tragic incidents of the pre-Independence era. On this day in 1942, nine brave freedom fighters were brutally shot dead by police in an open field called Chandiaposi adjacent to the village lunia now named as Sahid Nagar, Bhadrak district, in one of the bloodiest massacres in Indian history . This tragic incident, though lesser-known, is a testament to the countless nationalists who laid down their lives for a free India.
The 1940s was a pivotal time in India’s fight for independence, and Mahatma Gandhi’s call to action in August 1942 sparked a nationwide movement. The Quit India Movement, as it came to be known, saw people from all over the country, including those from the undivided Balasore district, come together to demand freedom from British rule.
In Bhadrak, the people of Dhusuri took the lead, organizing meetings and rallies that fueled public outrage against the British Raj. Under the fearless leadership of Sardar Muralidhar Panda, Muralidhara Jena, and others, Dhusuri declared its independence from British rule on August 28, 1942.
This movement in the undivided Baleshwar and Dhusari areas of present-day Bhadrak district was a major thorn in the side of the British colonial powers. The relentless efforts of Indian nationalists in this region had the British thoroughly unsettled and losing sleep over the growing challenge to their authority.
British officer Major Fox ordered the police to apprehend Sardar Muralidhar Panda , who was leading the movement in the area. The police arrived in Sriganga, where he was addressing a large gathering the day before the shootout. However, upon reaching Sriganga, they found the area deserted and proceeded to Lunia. Before taking any action, the police devised a strategy at Chandiaposi in the early hours of September 22, 1942. Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off, Panda formulated a counterstrategy.
As part of this plan, the freedom fighters were alerted to prepare for a counteroffensive. Conches were sounded loudly to warn the locals of an impending fight, and around 10,000 people from various villages gathered to confront the police. Cornered, the police had no choice but to surrender to the furious mob. The freedom fighters seized their weapons. However, the police, who were Odias, employed a ruse to persuade the crowd that despite serving the British, they actually supported the locals. The agitated crowd was convinced and returned the guns to the police. The police then opened fire on the protesting mob. During this attack by the British, several individuals made the ultimate sacrifice for India’s freedom: Nidhi Mahalik (55), Krishna Mahalik (28), and Shyam Mahalik (35) from Rajuali village; Agni Sahu (52) from Luni village; Gopinath Jena (25) from Katasahi village; Gouri Jena (50) from Susua Village ;Nav Kishor Nayak (32) from Kashipur; Chintamani Das (55) from Pathardih village; and Shankar Behera (50) from Khaparpada village.
In memory of the martyrs, a memorial pillar has been established at Lunia, a site later renamed Sahid Nagar by former Odisha Chief Minister Harekrushna Mahatab. Recently, the state government designated this location as a tourist destination. However, aside from renovating the pond, which witnessed the massacre, and the memorial pillar, no other initiatives have been taken to properly recognize the site. Each year, locals and members of the Sahid Smruti Committee gather near the pond at Lunia on September 22 to pay homage to the martyrs. They also commemorate Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti at this location annually.
