Freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s hideout in a shambles

Our Correspondent

Ferozepur, March 22

Even six years after being notified as a ‘protected monument’, the state government has failed to make any concerted efforts for the development and preservation of the double-storey building that served as a hideout of the Krantikari Party led by legendary revolutionary Bhagat Singh.

After a prolonged legal battle by locals, the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs had declared the building as a ‘protected monument’ on December 17, 2015. Thereafter, neither any step was taken to take over the building nor any funds were allocated for it.

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At present, the building is under the control of the Krishna Bhagti Satsung Trust. Nand Kishore Sharma, one of the trustees, said his grandfather Lahori Ram Shastri had met Bhagat Singh here several times. “I am ready to do anything for the construction of a museum in the building,” he said. Earlier, the district administration had served a notice on the occupants not to alter the structure or sell the premises.

In 2016, the then Deputy Commissioner DPS Kharbanda had mooted a proposal to relocate the shop on the ground floor and family occupying the first floor to another location for which an agreement was also drafted. However, the matter is still stuck.

During his visit three years ago, former Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Sidhu had also promised to provide Rs 15 lakh for the renovation of the building.

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“This building is no less than a pilgrimage centre for me. This was taken on rent by my father Dr Gaya Prashad under the fake name of Dr BS Nigam to run a pharmacy in 1928-29,” said Kranti Kumar Katiyar.

“While pharmacy was run on the ground floor, the first floor was used by the revolutionaries to make bombs and evolve strategy against the British rule,” said Rakesh Kumar, who has also authored several books on the monument.

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When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Gurpal Singh Chahal said, “We will take up the matter with the higher authorities.” He said the state government was determined to develop all such memorials and efforts were being made for it.

NGOs ready to help

Certain NGOs have submitted proposals to the government, expressing their desire to make contribution for the restoration of the historical building. However, nothing has happened so far. Even the Sonalika Group had announced to contribute Rs10 lakh for the restoration of the martyr’s hideout.