Martyr's Day 2025: What led to the hanging of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev?

Martyr's Day 2025: Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas is a significant day observed across India to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the country's independence. The day is marked on various dates throughout the year, but March 23 stands out as a special Shaheed Diwas to remember three brave freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev who were hanged by the British on this date in 1931. This day serves as a reminder of their courage and the countless others who fought for India’s freedom.

History of Shaheed Diwas (Martyr’s Day)

Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyr’s Day, is observed to remember the immense sacrifices made by patriots in the fight against British colonial rule. The day is observed to honor those who lost their lives for the independence of India. While January 30 is observed as Martyr’s Day to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, March 23 holds a special place in India’s history due to the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

On March 23, 1931, these three revolutionaries were executed by the British colonial government in Lahore Central Jail. Their brave actions during the struggle for independence left a lasting impact on India’s freedom movement. Shaheed Diwas not only remembers their sacrifice but also inspires future generations to stand up for justice and liberty.

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Why Were Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev Were Hanged?

The hanging of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev was a result of their revolutionary actions against British rule in India.

Protest Against British Rule: Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were active members of the Indian revolutionary movement, which sought to overthrow British colonial rule. They believed that violent resistance was necessary to free India from British oppression.

The Killing of J.P. Saunders: In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai, a popular nationalist leader, was injured in a police baton charge during a protest against the Simon Commission. Lala Lajpat Rai later died from these injuries. In response, Bhagat Singh and his associates plotted to kill James A. Scott, but mistakenly killed J.P. Saunders, a police officer, in 1928.

Bombing of the Assembly: In April 1929, Bhagat Singh and his associate Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. Their aim was not to kill anyone, but to protest against British rule and demand more rights for Indians. The two were arrested, and their trial became an opportunity to voice their message of revolution.

Trial and Execution: During the trial for the murder of Saunders, Bhagat Singh and his comrades used the courtroom to spread their anti-colonial views and call for India’s independence. The British authorities saw their actions as a direct challenge to their power. Despite widespread protests and public support for the trio, the British sentenced them to death. On March 23, 1931, they were hanged in Lahore Central Jail.