December 8, 1930, was an unremarkable winter afternoon in colonial Calcutta. Yet, by noon, the atmosphere in the heart of British administration—Dalhousie Square—would transform into chaos, echoing gunfire, and cries of defiance. The Writers’ Building, the red-brick bastion of British colonial authority, bore witness to an unparalleled act of revolutionary fervor. Three young Bengali revolutionaries—Binay Bose, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta—etched their names into the annals of history, transforming an ordinary day into an unforgettable chapter of the Indian freedom struggle.
This daring assault, often referred to as the Battle of the Atrium or the Battle of the Verandah, was a carefully planned operation by the Bengal Volunteers to strike a decisive blow against British tyranny. Their target was Lieutenant Colonel N.S. Simpson, Inspector General of Prisons in Bengal, notorious for his brutal treatment of political prisoners. This mission, however, was not merely about assassinating a single officer. It was a symbol of defiance, a testament to the resilience and audacity of Bengal’s youth, and a clarion call for liberation.
The Men Behind the Mission
The three protagonists of this heroic saga were young, fiercely patriotic, and united by an unwavering commitment to overthrow colonial rule.
Binay Bose
Born in Bikrampur, East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Binay Bose was a final-year medical student at Dhaka’s Mitford Medical School. At just 22, Vinay had already earned a reputation as a methodical and fearless revolutionary. Ninety-nine days before the attack on the Writers’ Building, he had assassinated F.J. Lowman, Inspector General of Police, in Dhaka and severely injured Superintendent E. Hodson. Despite the British branding him a fugitive, Binay remained undeterred.
Badal Gupta
Sudhir Gupta, better known as Badal, hailed from the same region as Vinay—Bikrampur. His revolutionary lineage was profound, with two uncles involved in the Alipore Bomb Case. This fiery eighteen-year-old joined the Bengal Volunteers at 16, determined to contribute to the fight for freedom.
Dinesh Gupta
The youngest of the trio, Dinesh Gupta, was born in Munshiganj, East Bengal. Just 19 years old at the time of the attack, Dinesh was a bright and passionate student at Dhaka College. His youth belied a maturity and courage that would later become legendary.
The Writers’ Building: Planning and Execution
The attack was meticulously planned. The Bengal Volunteers’ leadership assigned Vinay as the operation’s commander, a testament to his strategic acumen. Disguised as Europeans in formal attire, the trio arrived at the Writers’ Building shortly before noon. Their appearance fooled the guards, who mistook them for British officials and saluted them at the entrance.
At precisely 12:55 PM, they stormed into Simpson’s office. The inspector general, oblivious to the impending attack, was reviewing files. Before he could react, revolvers roared, and Simpson fell, mortally wounded. The trio then moved through the second-floor atrium, targeting other key British officials. They injured several, including Judicial Secretary Nelson and Home Secretary Albion Murray, while sparking panic across the building.
The response from the British administration was swift. Sir Charles Tegart, the feared Commissioner of Calcutta Police, arrived with reinforcements, including soldiers from the Gorkha regiment. The Writers’ Building was soon surrounded, and a fierce gun battle ensued. Despite being heavily outnumbered and armed only with revolvers, the three revolutionaries held their ground, engaging in a protracted firefight that reverberated throughout the colonial headquarters.
The Final Stand
As their ammunition dwindled, the trio retreated to a room within the Writers’ Building. Knowing capture was imminent, they resolved not to fall into enemy hands. Badal Gupta, out of bullets, consumed cyanide, embracing martyrdom. Binay and Dinesh turned their revolvers on themselves, firing at their heads while shouting Vande Mataram.
British forces stormed the building only after the resistance ceased. They found Badal dead, while Binay and Dinesh were gravely injured but alive.
Aftermath and Legacy
Binay Bose
Despite the best efforts of British doctors, Vinay succumbed to his injuries on December 13, 1930. In a final act of defiance, he exacerbated his wounds to ensure his death, denying the British the satisfaction of trying him. Thousands gathered to mourn him, their cries of Vande Mataram echoing through the streets of Calcutta.
Badal Gupta
The youngest martyr, Badal, was revered for his bravery and sacrifice. His death at just 18 symbolized the extraordinary determination of Bengal’s youth.
Dinesh Gupta
Dinesh survived his injuries and was captured. He faced trial and, despite appeals for clemency, was sentenced to death. On July 7, 1931, he was hanged in Alipore Central Jail. In his final letter, Dinesh reflected on life, death, and the immortality of the soul, inspiring generations with his philosophical and fearless acceptance of martyrdom.
Impact and Historical Significance
The attack on the Writers’ Building was a seminal event in India’s freedom struggle. It demonstrated the capability of young revolutionaries to strike at the heart of British power, challenging the perception of Indian subjugation. The operation was lauded even in British newspapers like The Statesman, which termed it a “battle,” acknowledging the courage and strategy of the revolutionaries.
The sacrifices of Binay, Badal, and Dinesh ignited a renewed wave of nationalism in Bengal and beyond. Their story became a rallying cry for future revolutionaries, a reminder of the price of freedom, and an enduring symbol of resistance.
Conclusion
The Battle of the Writers’ Building was more than just an armed assault; it was a statement of defiance, a challenge to imperial arrogance, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of Bengal’s youth. The legacy of Binay, Badal, and Dinesh continues to inspire, reminding us that the path to freedom is often paved with the sacrifices of the brave. Their story is not just a chapter in India’s struggle for independence but a timeless ode to the power of courage, conviction, and the human spirit.
