The Lesser-Known Warrior

With a vow to live with Independence either "in my free country or the heaven", Veer Bhai Kotwal dedicated his life to the freedom struggle, causing a menace to Britishers and became a warrior as he laid down his life in the name of his country.

Vithal Laxman Kotwal alias Veer Bhai; Image Source: Alchetron

Vithal Laxman Kotwal, the social reformer and freedom fighter was born in Matheran, near Mumbai in a family of barbers. He studied law in Mumbai and became an advocate in 1941. Soon after completing his education, he got involved in socio-political activities, defying his father’s wish to carry on their family tradition.

Bhai Kotwal was associated with various socio-political activities like enrolling people in the voter's list in his area, opening voluntary schools for farmers children, building grain banks for the farmers, etc. In 1941, he fought the election in Matheran city council and won to become the vice-chairman.

The communist movement of the country impacted Kotwal and hence he got the title "Bhai", an epithet for a comrade. Subsequently, he got engaged in the freedom struggle. When Mohandas Gandhi asked the Britishers to “Quit India”, many major leaders were arrested and a warrant was issued for Kotwal as well. He went underground to avoid the arrest and made a vow to “either live in my free country or the heaven”.

While underground, he formed a mercenary group named, “Kotwal Dasta'' of fifty members which included farmers, school teachers, and his cousins. The group cut down several electrical pylons to Mumbai city thus paralyzing the industry and railways. To counter the menace caused by Kotwal and his comrades, the police announced a cash reward for his arrest.

On the morning of 2nd January 1943, when the Azad Dasta was waiting for help, hidden in the jungle of Sidhgadh, DSP R. Hall and Stafford attacked the group. Kotwal first got injured in the thigh and was later killed at point-blank by Hall.

Kotwal’s name is among the lesser-known freedom fighters of the country. He is among the warriors who laid down his life for the independence of his nation. If not in his free country, he became free in death as he went on to live in ‘heaven’.