Bose family approaches UK on declassifying Netaji files

Berlin, Aug 30: Subhas Chandra Bose's family, still awaiting a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over declassifying files on the "mystery" surrounding Netaji, has approached the UK asserting it has the relevant documents on him.

Netaji's grandnephew Surya Kumar Bose, who had met Modi on the issue during his visit here in April, said he had written a letter to him days after the meeting but is yet to receive any response.

Asked about Modi government's approach on the issue, Surya said he was hopeful on securing "closure" to the "mystery" over the issue.

"I am hopeful because I think Modi has the guts to do it and I have told him quite frankly that we are ready to face whatever comes out, whether it is positive or negative or whatever it is.

We have to face the music. Because we have been asking for it," he said. The family has approached the UK government, asserting that it has classified files on him besides Japan and Russia.

"My sister who has a base in London has approached the British government to declassify the files. They have admitted that they have files. But they have to go through them in detail. They have asked for more time. So that means they have files on Subhash Bose which are classified," Surya told PTI here.

Bose said the issue is being taken up with governments of Japan and America and that the family was determined to get to the bottom of it notwithstanding whatever comes out of the declassification of the files.

Surya claimed that governments of Russia, Japan and the United States have information about Netaji and that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had their files open on him till 1985.

"I do not think opening up of those files will create issues with any present government. You cannot blame the present government for what had happened in 1945-46," he said.

Surya said it was "high time" the mystery surrounding Bose is brought to a close. Asked when the family approached the British authorities, he did not specify but indicated it was approached recently.

He said the Indian government must request the foreign governments to share the details about Bose with it. Toeing the line adopted by the previous UPA government, Prime Minister Modi's Office in February had refused to declassify the files relating to Bose.

The PMO on Wednesday had told the Central Information Commission that it cannot declassify files related to Bose as it will adversely affect relations with foreign countries.

The fate of the freedom fighter, who led the Indian National Army (INA), is not known after his plane crashed in Taiwan in 1945.

PTI