Netaji’s gunman in INA dead

Tribune News Service
Hisar, January 10

A freedom fighter, Bhale Ram Kuhar, who was a gunman of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the Indian National Army (INA), died at his native village Hasangarh of the district today. He was 99.

He is and survived by his wife and six children — four sons and two daughters.

Kuldeep Kuhar, a nephew of the freedom fighter, said: “Bhale Ram had taken part in the Battle of Pegu in Burma as an INA soldier. He was a gunman of Netaji. He last met Netaji during the battle in 1945,” he said, adding Bhale Ram remained missing for about eight years during the freedom struggle.

“On his return home after Independence, my uncle had disclosed that he was arrested and sent to Rangoon jail where he remained for about one-and-a-half years,” Kuldeep said.