Captain Hardwari Singh Ahlawat | 14 Aug 2025
Why in News?
Captain Hardwari Singh Ahlawat of Azad Hind Fauj, played an instrumental role in liberating the Jhansi Regiment (Rani of Jhansi Regiment) from British siege.
- Rani of Jhansi Regiment was an armed unit of women warriors headed by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan. It is believed to be the first female infantry in military history.
Key Points
- Liberation of Jhansi Regiment: In 1945, Captain Ahlawat, under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's orders, led a successful operation to free the Jhansi Regiment from British forces, firing over 4,000 rounds and killing around 300 British soldiers.
- Role in the INA: Captain Ahlawat, born in Deighal village (Jhajjar, Haryana), joined the Azad Hind Fauj in 1942, along with 32 soldiers from his village.
- Netaji Bose honored him with the prestigious “Sher-e-Hind” award for his courage and appointed him as his Personal Staff Officer (PSO).
- Military Achievements: Under Ahlawat’s leadership, INA forces freed the Lepoppa Hills area near Burma, defeating the British forces and hoisted India’s flag on the mountain post (elevation of 7,000-8,000 feet).
- Post-War Life: After the surrender of Azad Hind Fauj in 1945, Ahlawat, along with 17,000 INA soldiers, was imprisoned in Delhi’s Red Fort.
- He was released on 31st December 1945, by the British government (after INA trials or Red Fort trials).