WE the people of INDIA, deeply value the legacy of our freedom fighters and remain committed to preserving their honor and memory. The contributions of revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil must never be forgotten or disrespected under any circumstances.

On Monday, 23 March 2026, when the nation was remembering the sacrifices of revolutionary martyrs like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, an act of grave disrespect was carried out in Shahjahanpur in midnight on the eve of this solemn occasion.

Instead of respectfully relocating the statues of Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Roshan Singh, workers of Fly Infratech used a bulldozer. As a result, the statues fell onto the road, their heads and torsos were severed, and the broken remains were left in debris. When citizens expressed outrage, municipal authorities failed to provide a clear response.

Within the Municipal Corporation premises stood the statues of Kakori martyrs—Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Thakur Roshan Singh, and revolutionary Prem Krishna Khanna—which served as enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice. These memorials were central to national commemorations, including Independence Day observances.

The Municipal Corporation had awarded a beautification contract to Fly Infratech, a Lucknow-based firm, with plans to carefully relocate the statues and reinstall them with proper infrastructure. However, the agency employed a bulldozer, causing irreversible damage. The remains were reportedly discarded at the Kakra dumping ground along with garbage, further deepening public anguish.

Local residents and public representatives expressed strong objections. Councillor Diwakar Mishra emphasized that the statues should have been respectfully removed, while Mayor Archana Verma directed that legal action be initiated. Despite this, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Bipin Mishra appeared to evade accountability when contacted.

The statues, established over 50 years ago, held immense historical and emotional significance. Prem Krishna Khanna himself had contributed to their foundation, making their destruction even more distressing.

It is essential to recall the sacrifices of these martyrs:

Ram Prasad Bismil — Hanged on 19 December 1927 (Gorakhpur Jail); endured severe imprisonment with unwavering resolve.
Ashfaqulla Khan — Hanged on 19 December 1927 (Faizabad Jail); resisted intense interrogation and remained loyal to his comrades.
Roshan Singh — Hanged on 19 December 1927 (Allahabad/Naini Jail); faced execution with courage despite limited involvement.
Prem Krishna Khanna — Not executed; suffered rigorous imprisonment under harsh colonial conditions.
Recent incidents involving the demolition and desecration of such statues are not merely administrative oversights—they are direct affronts to the legacy of those who laid down their lives for the nation.

The least we can do to honor these sacrifices is to ensure that their memorials are treated with dignity, preserved with care, and protected by law.

On this occasion, I appeal to the concerned authorities and citizens of India:

To ensure immediate restoration of the demolished statues with full respect and proper ceremony.
To conduct a transparent investigation and hold accountable those responsible.
To establish strict guidelines for the protection of memorials of national importance.
To promote awareness among future generations about the sacrifices of revolutionaries.
This is not merely about statues—it is about preserving the dignity of our history and the soul of our freedom struggle.

I urge all citizens to support this cause and raise their voices to ensure that such incidents are never repeated. Let this become a collective movement to safeguard our heritage and honor our martyrs.

"सरफ़रोशी की तमन्ना अब हमारे दिल में है,
देखना है ज़ोर कितना बाज़ु-ए-क़ातिल में है।"
— Bismil Azimabadi 

News report by "The Hindu" : The statues of freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan and Roshan Singh were allegedly demolished during a road beautification work Published - March 25, 2026 04:17 am IST - Lucknow