Some Netaji files were destroyed, he was not a war criminal | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Some Netaji files were destroyed, he was not a war criminal

Hindustan Times | ByHT Correspondent, New Delhi
Mar 30, 2016 12:55 AM IST

When the Justice Mukherjee Commission that was set up in 1999 to probe the death of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sought information on whether any file pertaining to the relevant terms of reference of the commission were destroyed, the government’s answer was in the affirmative.

When the Justice Mukherjee Commission that was set up in 1999 to probe the death of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sought information on whether any file pertaining to the relevant terms of reference of the commission were destroyed, the government’s answer was in the affirmative.

An archival image of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. (HT File Photo)
An archival image of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. (HT File Photo)

One file that contained the agenda paper for cabinet decision regarding investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Bose was destroyed in 1972 in the course of routine weeding out of old records, the commission was told.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

This was revealed in the second set of 50 declassified files related to Netaji that were released on Tuesday.

The files also show that the government did not consider Netaji a “war criminal”. A letter from the MEA specified that the International Military Tribunal for the Far East does not have any records to prove that he was either a war criminal or a prisoner of war.

It said as per official records and private documents, Netaji was killed in a crash on August 18, 1945, after his departure from Taipei airport, where he had stopped on his way from Saigon to Dairen.

A letter by JN Dixit, the then first secretary at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo to the MEA, also affirms that “Japanese foreign office and academic circles” had given “tentative confirmation” that he was not declared a prisoner of war.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On