People remember first martyr of Independence struggle

Barrackpore, Apr 6 (UNI) About a thousand policemen and civilians today arranged a route march and organised a series of programmes to pay homage to the first martyr of Indian independence struggle Mangal Pandey.

West Bengal Non-Gazetted Police Karmachari Samity arranged the colourful march, which was participated by policemen and school students.

It was on this day, 150 years ago, that Sepoy Mangal Pandey of 34th Regiment of Native Infantry under British Army was heard guilty on the charges of mutiny in the force here.

Mangal Pandey, the person to have initiated the 1857 sepoy mutiny, was accused of being violent against his superior officers by strinking Lieutenant Baugh and Sergeant Major Hewson with his loaded musket and sword.

He was awarded death sentence by the Native General Court Martial the very next day and was executed on April 8.

Commemorating this historic event an exhibition was also organised at Mangal Pandey Udyan, which was inaugurated by Additional Director General of Police (Training) R K Johuree.

Addressing the people here, Mr Johuree urged the government to reinstate the statue of Mangal Pandey, which was build after his execution the same year.

UNI