A grand convention of the free revolutionaries was called at old fort (Purana Quila) ruins of Delhi to discuss the future strategies and for reorganisation of the outfit.
More than three scores of prominent revolutionaries from Punjab, North West Frontier Province, U.P., Bihar and Central Province (Madhya Pradesh) attended the convention. Five of them were women. Due to some differences Bengal revolutionaries stayed away.
In the secrecy of the ruins the meeting continued for two days. Being the brain behind the convention and organiser Bhagat Singh presided over the proceedings. Chandra Shekhar Azad could not attend the convention because a police Inspector named Tassaduk Hussain who was enquiring into ‘Kakori Train Robbery’ case was hot in his chase. In a letter he had conveyed that Bhagat Singh enjoyed all his proxy powers.
The convention paid tributes to all the martyrs and the comrades who were languishing in jails serving long terms.
The convention set up its Central Committee. Later, Provincial Committees and Co-ordination Cells were also constituted.
The name of the organisation was changed. It was now to be called ‘Hindustan Socialist Republican Army’. The new name clearly indicated its political leanings. Ideologically it accepted the socialist pattern of Russia. The new outfit preferred to call itself Army which meant that it now would throw a direct armed challenge to the British to battle it out like soldiers. There was no ambiguity now.
In absentia, Chandra Shekhar Azad was appointed ‘The Commander-in-Chief’ of the H.S.R. Army unanimously.
Many of the prominent members were directed to change their names and appearance for the safety and the secrecy reasons. Bhagat Singh had to get his hair cut for a new look to confuse the police.
Some other decisions taken were—(1) To bomb Simon Commission, (2) To set up bomb manufacturing units, (3) Train youth in bomb-manufacture, (4) Procure arms, (5) Kill the traitors of Kakori Train Robbery case, (6) Loot Govt. treasuries for finance. Robbing the private citizens was to be avoided.
Somehow the C.I.D. got wind of the convention. The police was stationed at all exit points to nab the revolutionaries who had taken part in the convention. But all the delegates were able to dodge the police in various disguises. Bhagat Singh escaped in guise of a sadhu.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army, Chandra Shekhar Azad displayed a new daring spirit. He decided to deal with the police inspector Tassuduq Hussain who had always been dogging him in the way befitting a true Commander.
One day, he cornered the officer in a deserted alley and put his gun to his belly. The scared officer trembled. Azad warned to stay out of his way or get few bullets pumped into his belly. The officer never again crossed his way.
Meanwhile, Bhagat Singh went to Kanpur to meet the Commander to apprise him of the decisions taken by the convention of the revolutionaries most of which Azad already knew. They realised that they faced acute shortage of funds.
The new clean shaven look of Bhagat gave Azad an idea. Bhagat Singh had very fair complexion who could pass as an European. And he had a penchant for wearing English hat.
Rajguru was with Bhagat Singh. So, they were three. According to the plan, the three went to the house of a rich merchant, Seth Dilsukh Rai at 11 p.m. Bhagat wore hat, safari shirt and shorts. He looked like an Angrez sahib. Rajguru was in Hindustani babu guise with a file held in his hand. Azad was in bodyguard uniform.
The frightened chowkidar was asked to inform his master that the P.A. to Lucknow Governor had come to see him on official business.
Seth was checking account books and ledgers with his accountant (Muneem). When the chowkidar gave them the message they turned pale looking at each other.
Seth was too stunned to speak. ‘I will see’, squeaked the muneem and he went out reluctantly to see the visiting party. His bespectacled eyes almost popped out at seeing an Englishman (Bhagat Singh) out there with two officials. He bent down to salute them and led them in mumbling something.
He announced, “Sethji, these Sahibs are from Governor General Bahadur. We are honoured.”
Seth lifted his rolly-polly bulk on his weak legs stammering, “Sahib, you should have summoned me to your service instead of taking trouble to come here to my poor house. It would’ve been my pleasure…”
Azad who was in uniform cut him short, “Sethji, an urgent matter necessitated Sahib’s visit. Sahib is the P.A. to Governor Bahadur. With him is government auditor.”
Seth got Bhagat and Rajguru seated. Muneem ran in to bring refreshments. Bhagat arrogantly took a sip of sherbet and a bite of a biscuit. Then, he pushed the plates away distastefully. Dilsukh Rai watched in increasing anxiety.
Bhagat Singh asked, “So, you are Seth Deal-shook-Roy. Am I right?”
“Yes sir, what service can I do?”
“Seth, I hope you know that England fought a war with Germany.”
“Yes sir, our England government won the war. We are very proud of it.”
Bhagat nodded his head, “We won the war but it cost heavy. England is under heavy debt. So, the Queen of England had ordered the Viceroy and all the Governors of India to collect funds from all rich people here. You see…”
Seth turned pale, “But sir, I always pay my taxes.”
“Let us see,” Bhagat muttered and turned to Rajguru to say, “Check the government list and see how much he owes.”
Rajguru flipped some papers of his file and announced, “Sir, Sethji had paid all his taxes. He has never defaulted. Only due from his is
Rs. 25000 in war fund.”
“Twenty five thousand!” Seth almost choked.
“It is war help from you to the Queen. You will be glad to know that the government has decided to give you the title of ‘Rai Bahadur’ for your services. That is why the Governor Bahadur has sent me specially to you to convey the good news. Congratulations Sir Rai Bahadoor Deal-shook-Roy!” Bhagat Singh extended his hand graciously.
Dilsukh Rai shook his hand utterly stunned. It was too good to be true. ‘Rai Bahadur’ title for only 25000/- rupees was not a bad deal.
Seth looked satisfied. His muneem was looking overawed at the turn of events.
Rajguru reminded, “Sethji, we need the money cash now so that Governor Bahadur can clear your name for the title. It is the formality we have to complete.”
Seth spoke to his muneem, “Muneemji, don’t stand here like a fool. Get the money and pay up.”
“Yes Rai Bahadur Sethji,” the muneem squealed and went to fetch money from the safe.
Before the P.A. party departed with cash Seth reminded them of the title and got assurance that the very next month the title would be accorded to him in a glittering ceremony at Governor’s durbar.
Muneem squealed, “Sethji, that Seth Chhagan Lal has been trying for years to win the ‘Rai Bahadur’ title unsuccessfully. I would like to see his face when he learns that you got the title without begging for it.”
Seth Dilsukh Rai said smugly, “God never does wrong. He knows who deserves it. May Queen of England live for ever.”
Just then a police party trooped in to the surprise of Seth and his muneem. The policemen had stern faces.
The Inspector asked, “Sethji, some one came here?”
“Yes, Governor’s P.A. and two officials were here. They went away with twenty five thousand rupee for war fund.”
“Very strange! Can you describe them?”
“P.A. Saheb was white, tall and wore an English hat.”
“And others?”
“Two of them. An auditor and other a burly bodyguard in uniform with stylish moustaches,” muneem replied trying to remember.
“You have been duped, Sethji. The burly guard can none other than Chander Shekhar Azad. P.A. could be that Punjabi militant Bhagat Singh,” the Inspector informed.
“Which way did they go?” a constable asked.
Seth was stunned. Shocked muneem pointed into a direction and the policemen ran.
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