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EVIDENCE
On 18th April followed Abinash and Barindra from No 23 to No 32. At G. M. Dutt's Lane saw Barindra, Kunjo Lal Saha, Sishir Ghose Upendra, Nagendra and Poresh entering No.15. In garden I saw Sachindra Sen, Bejoy Nag, Naliny Gupta, Upendra, Paresh, Kunjolal, Hrishikesh and Sushil. I saw Sailendra in garden. At No. 4 I saw Sailendra, Barendra and Upendra. I kept no notes of the watches. Speak from memory. I refreshed my memory from no materials. Have not discussed my evidence with any one. My evidence is entirely from memory. It is not always usual to keep notes during watches. I started watching 23 Scott's Lane from 16th or 17th April, 1908 may be till the 26th. I don't remember dates after the 18th. I saw Abinash on the 18th. Naren Mullick told me he was Abinash. No other incident about No.23 to fix it in my memory. Bolai Ganguly watched No.15 with me. Did not see Sivakali or Sarat Das watching the house, nor Satis Banerjea. Can't say if Balai was with me when I saw Sisir, Upendra or Kunjalal at No.15. Did not see Suresh Ghose watching any other house except No. 134, some day between 20th and 27th April. Before being examined before Mr. Birley I did not make any statement verbal or written to any one of what I had seen. I kept to myself all that I had seen or known. Not sure of the dates I saw Hrishikesh or Kunjolal in the garden. I got instructions to watch places not persons. I did not try to ascertain names. We were dressed as low class people- never dressed as gentlemen. Can't say on what date I saw Sisir, it was between 20th and 27th. I shall be surprised to hear he was in Bombay up to 27th April and received an M. O. There. I can't give exact dates on which I went to watch the garden except 18th. Can't say on which date I saw which persons in the garden. I can't say how Abinash could be at Giridhi on the 18th as I saw him that day. P. W. 79. Hayter Duff., Supdt. Railway Police― I escorted L. G. Sir. Andrew Fraser on 5th Dec. 1907 from Calcutta to Howrah. At 2 A.M. On 6th was thrown out of bunk by a violent jerk. Train stopped. Found line ruined 40 to 60 yards to the rear of the last carriage. There was a hole 5 ft. deep and 5 ft. across. Rail was bent upwards, we got in and train went to Kharagpur. This was about 12 miles from Kharagpur near Naraingarh. Ex.952 is a portion of the pot-sleeper. 953 and 954 are pies of iron. 955 are three pieces of lead. 957 and 958 are raw cotton wool stained yellow. 959 are sal leaves with traces of sweetmeats. Ex.960 and 971 found there. Some railway coolies were charged and convicted. Five out of 6 coolies. 3 confessed, 2 retracted and one did not. They were gang men, one was made approver. P. W. 80. Jogendranath Sen― Pleader Tamluq. Father of Purna Chandra Sen Proves Purna was with him almost regularly. Page 80 up to 24th April, 1908 when he left without his knowledge. Was present at the Midnapur conference as a moderate. Sandhya was a vile paper. Jugantar's writings were grand. It is extremist. Bandemataram was Nationalist paper. P.W.82. Debdas Karan―Editor, Medini Bandhub, Midnapur. Ex.874 was crest on the paper of lion and unicorn. 875 shews crest changed into Jagadhatri goddess. Change was due to Hem Chandra Das. 876 is his letter to me. Hem went to Europe to learn photography. My paper was moderate. Was present at the Midnapur conference. There was a Chatra Bhandar at Midnapur. Young men sold things e.g., Nirmal (i.e. Nirapodo) Purna Sen. P.W.83. Nabinkrisna Ghose―Produces from office of Joint Stock Companies, papers relating to Chatravandar Ld., New India Ld. and Bande Mataram Ld. P. W. 84. Pabitracharam Dutt―Managing Director, Chatra Bhandar. It was started in Bahdra 1313 first at No.101 then at 113 Harrison Road.Ex.78 is Articles of Association. Indra Nundy was one of the promoters. Arabinda and Subodh Mullick witnessed my signature. Nikhileshur was one of the auditors. I took 27 Kanai Dhar's Lane on lease for a boarding house. I let the house afterwards to Jugantar no 40/- a month. Chatra Bhandar had no branches in Calcutta or outside. It sold books, pictures. Ex.1252 is a prospectus. Jugantar advertisement appeared on the back. I took serious objection to it. P. W. 85. J. D. 'Costa-Clerk, Controller of Post Offices. Produced 846, 905. 1003. 1004 to 1007 money order forms. P. W. 86. Sukumar Mitra―Aravinda is my mother's sister's son. Ex.1061 is deposit of 500/- for the defence fund at Merccantile Bank. Defence Association at 4 College Square used to teach self-defence latti play, boxing, jijuitsu & c- started in August 1907 and dissolved in May 1908. The appeal was for help of family of Basanta Bhattacherya, Printer, Jugantar, sent to jail. Abinash was a sort of Bazar Sarkar of Aravinda at No.23. Ex.298 is the cheque book of the bank. In March and April Aravinda lived at 23 Scott's Lane. He left Boroda in 1906. P. W. 87. Mathew Laurence Banerjea ― Postmaster, Harrison Road. From Ex.871 and 872 it appears that Rs.20/- was sent to Dinesh Chandra Ray at Muzaffarpur on 8th April, 1908. P.W.88. Bepin Behary Bose ― Arabinda's father's sister was my mother-in-law. Garden belongs to Arabinda and his brothers. In 1906 he asked me to sell the garden. He asked 7000/-, the highest offer was 5000/-. P.W.89. Naba Jagendra Mitra.―Cashier, Bande Mataram Ld. I kept Cash Book Ex.1067. Arabinda was sometimes Managing Director. Page 81 P.W.90. Bankim Dutta.― Satyendra Bose was manager og Midnapur Chatra Bhandar. Nirapodo and Khudiram Bose were seen there. P.W.91. Major Frank Smallwood―R.A. I was officiating Chief Inspector of Explosives. On May 2nd I examined the scene of the outrage at Mozufferpur. I examined the Dharmsala there. I helped to open the room in which Khudiram and Prafulla were said to have stayed. In the room I saw this bag (Ex.1126). It was full of cotton wool. There was an impression in it, as of a small tin box which was shown to me. In the tin box also there was cotton wool. On 3rd May I went to Park Street Thana at the request of the Commissioner of Police. I was shown a quantity of explosives said to have been found at 134 Harrison Road and at Maniktala garden: also certain literature. I examined the explosives and looked at the literature. (Shown XXXIV). It is a standard work: rather older than Sandford (Shown Ex. XXXVIII & 738). I was told this (XXXVIII) was found in the garden. This (738) is a copy of it. I have studied them very carefully. Except for a page or two they are the same. This (738) is perfect, but there were some other copies short of pages. The work is very clever, as a system for the manufacture of explosives. Anyone could use it, there are no technicalities or chemical formulae. The instruction is excellent. Many of the explosives are novel, not referred to in ordinary text-books. It would be useful in the hands of those desiring to execute a revolution. I think 72 explosives of a Chemist's shop for the manufacture of explosives. “Kerosine powder” is an entirely new explosive. “Tannin powder” has not been used since 1848-50: it was then tried for matches and was a failure and had not been manufactured since: it won't keep. The manual refers to destruction of bridges and building in detail and works out quantities of explosives required. Kerosine and Tannin powder are about 30/. stronger than gun-powder. The manual refers to dynamite, gun-cotton, melinite, hell-off-ite, an American explosive. The last is the strongest explosive known. All the materials I examined are mentioned in the manual. I was shown jars full and empty, of acids, I thought about 50 lbs. of explosives might have been produced, judging by the quantity of acids used. I was shown some dynamite cartridges said to have come from 134, Harrison Road. There were 19 or 20 lbs. of dynamite. I destroyed 19 dynamite cartridges on the spot. I see 22 cartridges were destroyed to be accurate. I was present twice at Major Black's laboratory at the Medical College, when Major Black was analysing. I saw the fulminate Page 82 of mercury being analysed: I tested it with him: and some picric acid. When picric acid id fused, it is known as lyddite and melinite: they are the high explosives of England and France. Carbolic acid can be used for the manufacture of picric acid. Nitro-glycerine is glycerine treated with nitric acid. It is a very strong explosive indeed. Caustic potash is more for neutralising acids: it is used in a laboratory for destroying bad attempts. It is used in one known mining powder, I think Farier's. Caustic soda is available for the same use. Nitrate of potash is used for making gun-powder: that, sulphur are charcoal make gun-powder. Ammonium chloride is used for making picrate of ammonium: such picratas are used for exploding picric acid. Red phosphorous is used for detonating compositions. Mixed with chlorate of potash, with or without sulphur, it is the ordinary detonating or cap composition used in the army. Mercury is used for making fulminate of mercury. That is used in nearly all detonators. It has to be kept in water, as it, they damp it with alcohol. I saw 6 samples of fulminate of mercury which must have been manufactured with 48 hours. I saw them on filter-papers. It is manufactured on filter-papers strained through them and left to dry. Sulphide of lead is not an explosive. Sulphide of antimony could be used in conjunction with other substances in the manufacture of detonating composition as a detonator. I saw shells in all stages of manufacture. It is usual to make shells of soft metal so that you can fit them with a screw, to admit the detonator. Copper and tin make a soft metal: with zinc they make gun-metal. I saw a crucible with small pieces of tin and copper cut up. That is what one would expect in making a shell. (Shown 597). One piece is zinc, one tin. (Shown 598). It is zinc. One cuts the pieces small enough to go in to the crucible: there is no standard size for cutting. (Shown 593-1 & 2.) They are sand-moulds. They are the size of the actual manufactured shells that we saw. (Shown 596). They are copper cuttings. (Shown 614). Inside them I saw sand-cores similar to those just shown (513). The spikes are what are called dead heads formed when the gas forces the metal out. (Shown 637 & 662). This (637) is a completed Orsini bomb and this (662) an incomplete one. An Orsini bomb has holes to be fitted with protruding denonators so as to insure its going off. (Shown Ex.600 & 635). These are ball-cork used on cisterns. They are suitable for use as bomb-shells and have been used in history as such e.g., in Deasy and Flanagaer's case. This (660) is the knob of a bed-stead. It had picric acid in it and has now. Used as a bomb, it would kill you outright. It would have a radius of about 5 yards. The danger zone of this (637) would be quite 30 yards. That of these (600 & 635) would be 25 to 30 yards (Shown 599). It is used in a laboratory under Page 83 a retort to prevent the flame breaking the bottom of the glass: it spreads the heat. (Shown 603). They are used with the ball-cocks: they are filled with sulphuric acid. Immediately before throwing, the sulphuric acid is released: usually a thickness of paper is placed between to give time. (Shown Ex.36). I remember the original. I t was full of picric acid fused. I was 2 days trying to unload it and it was so dangerous that I recommend its destruction. These (604) are the levers for the taps (603). This (610) is an iron shell. It contained picric acid and 24 spikes sharpened at both ends. The danger zone of such a shell would be about 70 yards. It might be 100. I thought it was meant for street-fighting, as it would be unnecessary to have so large a thing for one man and it would be hard to conceal. I unloaded it at Park Street Thana. This (661) is the reservoir of a cheap lamp. It was filled with fused picric acid. Its danger zone would be about 30 yards. (Shown 631 and 687). They are Noble's detonators. They are the ordinary commercial detonators. I remember 6 coils of fuse. These are they (583). These (623) are electric dry cells. This (584) is electric wire. With it one could fire a bomb at the distance of the wire. These (626) are moulders' rods for holding up the core in moulding a shell. This (614) has a spike of the same gauge as the rods. This (586) is the ordinary hand-book on moulding. They are pruners on which bombs could be shaped. I doubt if the Mozufferpur bomb was larger than the small one: I thought it would have been less than a tennis-ball. (Shown 599, 605, 607, 634, 666, 628, 667, 674, 675, 696, 676, 683, 677,678, 680, 681, 682, 679, 684, 694). They are laboratory apparatus, glass retorts, etc. With it fulminate of mercury could be manufactured. It is a complete apparatus for the purpose. (Shown 632/1-4) They are samples of fulminate of mercury, those that we saw on the filter-papers. As they were dangerous to keep, we put them in water. They varied much in quality, suggesting that some one was under instruction. Two of them would not go off at all. I was shown some dynamite in a bucket, said to have been found in the garden. There was about 20 lbs. of it, and about 10 lbs. of gelignite in cardboard boxes. It was the gelignite to which I referred when I spoke of destroying 20 lbs. of dynamite. There was 19 dynamite cartridges from No. 134, Harrison Road, not the 10 lbs. of dynamite. The gelignite was in the form of cartridges. Gelignite is a trade term of dynamite. The dynamite and gelignite found in the garden was quite sufficient to destroy this building. (Shown Ex. 591). The article is by Berthelot, the most expert chemist of the day. (Shown 387). These are cores for bombs (shown Ex.390). This is a stirring rod for stirring metal, in a crucible. Resin is used for mixing with sand, for making moulds. Files, chisels, tongs and hammers are necessary for making bombs. (Shown 209). It is a box of Whit- Page 84 worth taps. I destroyed one bomb as the picric acid had formed picric of copper by contact with the copper and was dangerous. Sulphuric acid is used in manufacturing nearly all nitro explosives to carry off the surplus water. You require it in all operations. (Shown 215). There are iron pipes; such are frequently used for bombs. In the book (738) there is a diagram showing how to fit them up. A man in Paris, an ex-Lieutenant Russian Engineer, Sfeanski, is the reputed author of this (Ex.738). It contains a ball of box: it might be used as a core for hammering round, not for moulding. (Shown 712, 713, 714, 715.) I examined these with Major Black. They looked like preparations for making moulds. (Shown Ex. II). It is an ordinary moulder's box (Shown Ex. III). It is the rough casting of a bomb. (Shown XXIX). They are a moulder's box. It has been used. There is still sand in it. (Ex. XXXI shown). It is a wooden core for hammering envelopes on. (Shown 214/1-5). They are moulders' boxes, used for holding sand. I have seen ( Ex. 429 ). They are cuttings of metal for making shells. I saw (Ex.437, 438). One is an empty bomb and the other a sample of its contents. When we saw the bomb, it had not been loaded; it had only the core. (Shown 384). The first is a formula for fulminate of mercury: there is one for picric acid and one for nitro-glycerine. They are correct formulae and very like the Aligarh ones. (Shown Ex.1210). The first formula is the ordinary cap composition. The second is the first with ground glass added, which makes it more sensitive. The next is a correct prescription for fulminate of mercury. There is a reference to the method of firing by means of an electric battery, with platinum wire. The formulae point to explosives: Nothing else. (Shown Ex.667). The first thing is a formula for making soft metal, then instruction for foundry sand, then bullets. There are instructions as to how much powder would go into a shell, worked out rather childishly, but probably correctly. It is elementary but correct. Fulminate of mercury is often called Detonating mercury. I am almost sure this is taken out of the Maniktola book. I have read up a little about match making, I am not conversant with it. Chlorate of potash, sulphur and red phosphorus is in nearly every match. Filter papers are necessary for laboratory operations of any kind. In making moulds castor oil is used: for binding the sand together. I cannot say how long after you would find traces: you must ask a chemist that. I do a lot of moulding myself and use castor oil. P.W. 92. Sukumar Sen.― was Managing Director of Bande Mataram Ld. for sometime. I knew Arabinda. He was Editor for some time, object was more political than commercial. Old Bande Mataram was printed at Sandha office and we had to pay Page 85 Rs. 2500. Bepin Pal borrowed the same from C. R. Dass, R. N. Roy and Sailendra Ghose. Bande Mataram had no connection with other papers and it was certainly no link in any conspiracy against Government. P.W.93. S. I. Suresh Chandra Ghose― Began watching from 10th April 1908. To Hem Das's house 38-4 Raja N. K. Street saw Barindra, Narendra Gossain and Indu Roy enter that day. Found them at Howrah station with a canvas bag entering a train at 5-30 p.m. I and others did the same. Bag was like Ex. 659. Got down at Mankundu and followed towards Chandernagore. Gossain parted, we lost sight of Indu but followed Barindra to Hari Neogy's house. Came back to station to report, went back and watched whole night. Did not again see him. Searched next day but failed to find him. On 16th followed Hem Das to 78 Russa Road and again on 17th. On 20th watched the garden. Upendra, Nirapado and Krishna Jibon came out. Krishna went towards Bagmari. Other two entered Maniktola Post office brought a big envelope, opened and read a letter and then went towards Sealdah. Conversed with two Madrassis on the road, one was Kane. I followed Madrassis. They entered No.15 G. M. Dutt's Lane at 6 p.m. On 21st watched garden. Nirapado and another came out, took train and went to D. Waldie & Co. chemists. Nirapada brought a big jar and some liquid. Jar was like Ex.435. He also purchased two iron pots like Ex. 392. Then they returned to garden. On 22nd watched garden. One of the Madrassis came out and went to 15 G.M.Dutt's Lane. 12 or 14 in batches of 2 and 3 also entered the house. Kane came out and went to get a medicine and returned. Upendra, Sailendra, Kunjolal, Bibhuti, Nirapado, Indu, Bejoy and Ullaskar were the men who entered. Also Kanai Lal Dutt who had been hanged. On 24th Barindra came out of No. 15 at 6P.M. and went to 23 Scott's Lane then occupied by Arabinda. Sailendra and Abinash I had seen before to go to No.23. On 25th followed Barindra from garden to No.15; he then went to No.48 Grey street, Navasakti office, then went to 38-4, Hem Das's house. On 26th watched No. 15. A 3rd class hackney pulled up there. Ullaskar entered with a bag and two steel trunks like Ex.572 and 573. The carriage went to No.134 Harrison Road. Ullaskar entered with bags and Nagendra and Dharani took in the trunks. On 27th April entered No.134 on plea of purchasing medicines and found the trunks under tuktaposh. That day saw Kane enter a train a I followed up to Sini as I found he was going to Nagpur. On 3rd May I pointed out Din Doyal Bose at Tram Depot. Arrested Narendra Gossain at Srirampur on 5th May. Identifies several accused in the several houses. Everything I said is from pure unaided memory. I can't give other dates. Page 86 Was a fellow student with accused Barin Ghose at Deoghar High School in the same class. Next I saw him at No.4 Harrison Road on 10th April but did not speak to him. Up to 2nd May did not know what was happening in the garden. I watched and saw people going there. Sometimes I passed Barin. I could know him from the back. I studied the faces. Can't give other dates besides those I gave in examination-in-chief. Can't say with reference to a particular man at a particular place whether he was alone or with some one else beyond what I have said. After 2nd May Purna Biswas and I lived in the same house till October. P.W.94. Raghunath Benerji― One of the Directors of the Chattra Bhandar Ld. Nikhileshwar was another Director. Indra Nandy was another, subsequently became Secretary. P.W.95. Insp. K. Mullik.―watched garden from 8th to 26th April 1908. Also watched other houses. At garden saw Abinash, Asoke, Sachindra, Hrishikesh, Upendra, Bibhuti, Indubhuson, Poresh, Kunjola, Krishna Jibon, Barendra, Narendra Buksi, Purna and Hem. At No.4 Harrison Road saw Sailendra, Diindoyal, Upendra, Ullaskar, Krishna Jibon, Nirapado and Barindra. At No. 23, Sailendra and Arabinda. I arrested Krishna Jibon on 12th May at his home in Kansat, Malda. He is an adopted son. I found Ex.850, 851 and 853. I kept no notes of the watches. The Garden is not surrounded by wall. It has no gate. It is not the practice of the C.I.D. to keep notes. I did not give the Crown Solicitor these details. Do not remember when I first saw Hem Das, but it was at No. 23. He was with one or two men. Can not recollect who they were. I saw him again on 26th. Don't remember when saw him again. Did not hear revolver shots in the garden or men drilling there. Can't remember the dates I watched No.15 except the 26th. I saw Krishns Jibon only once there. I was in charge of the properties seized in Calcutta. I assisted Inspector Samsul Alum in instructing counsel for the crown. I brought the things to court from Police Malkhana at no 3 Dedar Buks Lane. After exhibited they remained in boxes in court. Samsul Alum and other Police officers often inspected documents in the room in court hours. The name of Aravinda was given to me in connection with the watches. I saw him on 18th at No.23. I shall be surprised to hear he was at the Kisoregunj conference from 18th to 21st April. P.W.96.M.A.Usmani.― I was a Sub-Inspr. I resigned. On 3rd May arrested Dindoyal while he was working in the Tram Depot. P.W.97. H. O. Welder.- Asst. Engineer, P. W. D. Railways.― Page 87 Ex. 97 I got from Police in August to verify contents. It contains notes of inspection of E.B.S. Ry. from Dum Dum to Bagoolla with culverts, bridges, groves etc. correctly shown. P.W.98. Sivakali Dass.― Police Informer. From 10th April 1908 watched 38-4 Raja N. K. Street, up to 20th. Saw Hem Das, Barendra and Narendra Gossain. One day a cart was brought by Poresh and another, 4 trunks, a kerosin tin case of wood (without the tins) and cooking utensils were removed in it. On 26th I hired a room there. Hem Das gave me a receipt Ex.854. Next day I was not given the room and I got money back. I gave a receipt Ex.358-6. Kunjalal. Bibhuti, Dindoyal also visited the house. Watched other houses and saw some accused visiting them. I used to live at Ramsodoi's house at 56 Amherst Street. I did not say that I was informer as my pay was not settled. I got advances. I got money when I wanted. Hem Das's servant was a barber. I got information from him. Witness Sarat Das is my sister's husband's brother. Biswas told me to follow people who looked like budmashes – which means Goonda class. I understood my instructions to be to follow such men as went about beating people or looked as if they would. I did not smell rebellion or hear anything about bombs. I worked as I was paid. I never kept any note. Watched Hem Das's house from a grocer's shop, once from a prostitute's house. I don't know grocer's name. Never reported to Inspector Biswas the name of the grocer or prostitute or the barber. I did not understand that I was watching conspirators. My pay was fixed after I gave evidence. P. W. 99. Nurse Wallace―I know 37 College St. In :May I heard a loud explosion there. I saw some people running in or out of the gate of 37. There were patients in my room in the out door dispensary. Don't know if they looked startled or spoke to each other. P. W: 100 Nurse Burke―Heard sound of explosion about 5th or 6th :May 1908. P. W. 101. Insp. Soshy Bhuson De―In October 19071 got information as to the existence of a Secret Society. I reported it to the Director of Criminal Intelligence, India. Since then I have been officially enquiring. At that time I was Inspector, C.I. D., on deputation. On 8th February I received more specific information. I was placed' in charge of the enquiry about it, on the 8th. Police officers were deputed to work under me, Inspector P. C. Biswas, Sub-Inspector Narendra Kumar :Mullik, Satish Chandra Banerji, Chandi Charan Mukherji, Head Constable Sarat Chandra Palit, Bolai Chand Ganguly, :Madhu Sudan Bhattacharji, Sub-inspector Suresh Chandra. Ghosh and agents Page 88 Sarat Dass and Siba Kali Dass. On 29th February I received information that the Head-quarters were at the garden. I deputed Sarat Palit to see the garden, not to watch it: to see whether it was the head-quarters. I don't remember the date on which I deputed him, it was the beginning of March. My enquiries were proceeding from the beginning of February till the middle of April. I did not take part in the investigation: my duty was to supply intelligence as reported to me. On April 9th Satish Banerji reported to me that he noticed Barindra Kumar Ghose coming out of Hem Chandra Dass's house 38/4, Raja NabaKishen's street. He did not give me the names. I had previously given him a descriptive roll of Barin and he told me that a man of that description came out of Hem Chandra's house. He gave me Hem Chandra's name. He said he followed the man up to the Muraripukur garden. On 12th April Bolai Ganguli reported to me that he saw Barindra Kumar and Abinash Chandra Banerji, mentioning both by name, conversing together at Sealdah Station, and that he followed them to 23, Scott's Lane, where Arabinda Ghose was then living. He mentioned this about Arabinda, giving his name. From that place he said he followed Barindra Kumar to the garden in Muraripukur Lane. On 20th April Suresh Chandra Ghosh reported to me in the evening that he had followed 3 men from Muraripukur garden and noticed them talking to 2 Madrasi boys near Sukea Street and then followed the 2 Madrasis to 15, Gopi Mohun Dutt's Lane. , On 12th April I knew Arabinda by name and knew he was living at 23, Scott's Lane. I have known Arabinda by name a long time. I don't know him even now by sight. In October 1907 I was aware of his name, before I got the report about the Secret Society. I was under the impression that he used to contribute to the Bande Mataram,. On April 20th Suresh took me to 15, Gopi Mohun Dutt's Lane, immediately after reporting to me, I recognised the house as that of Adhar Babu, Pleader. Satish's report of 9th April was written. I sent it to Mr. Plowden. Bolai gave me an oral report which I wrote and sent to :Mr. Plowden. Suresh's report to me was oral and Biswas entered it in the diary after 2 or 3 days. I did not make a note of Suresh's report at the time. Suresh reported separately to Biswas. I came to know about that subsequently. I made no record of the report. I reported the existence of the Secret Society to Mr. Stevenson Moore, Director of Criminal Intelligence. The information of 8th February I reported to Mr. Plowden in writing. The information Page 89 of 29th February I reported in writing to both Messrs Stevenson Moore and Plowden. The whole investigation was a special one. I think the police officers under me did not keep written notes of what they saw. I don't know whether they did or not. Reports of the 9th and 12th April were written and submitted to Mr. Plowden. I won't give the name of the informer. Informers got regular pay. I gave description of Barin only to Satis and. Sarat. The description was got from .informer. Biswas was the investigation officer. The description of Barin was long hair, thin build, medium complexion, wears spectacles. When Barin was found on 9th April I went out of the case. P. W. 102. S. 1. Bolai Ganguly,―From 10th April watched 38/4, Sealda Station IItnd the Garden. On 24th April hired a tiled hut opposite No. 15 G. M. Dutt's Lane and watched the house. I found several accused coming. from and entering other houses. Identifies some accused. On 19th May went to Nagpur. At Morris College came to know that Balkrishna Harikane Came from Yotmal, Berar. P. W. lO3. A. K. Mothuaami Aiyar.―Ex. 1059 is the account opened in the name of Aravinda and Sukumar Mittra with the Mercantile Bank. P. W. 104. Bhagabat Chandra Giri.- Muhurrir of K. P. Gajendra Mahapatra maternal uncle of Hem Das. Hem went to . Europe. I wrote Ex. 327 to him as I heard police were .after Hem.
P. W. 105.
A. C. Banerjea.―Barrister. Ex. 1028 and 1029 are my writing given to one Subodh Bose on 8-4-06 as he was interesting himself in Khudiram Bose's'
sedition case. The letter was to Mr. A. Chowdhury. I know Provas, Indra
Nundy and Debabrata.. Provash I saw in Swadeshi meetings. Swadeshi
agitation began on 7th August 1905. Partition of Bengal was
on 16th October. Swadeshi agitation was to. encourage
indigenous industries and boycott was preached as a retaliatory measure
to the Partition. If moral persuation failed social pressure was used.
Physical force, I don't think, was advocated. Legitimate alteration of
the form of Government was preached at public meetings not by force.
Moderates were for Swadeshi and Boycott but would ask for Government
help when necessary. Extremists were only for self dependence, and rely
on passive resistance-not active resistance. Partition was carried out
in spite of almost unprecedented opposition. There was general
impression that several departments of Government were engineering an
agitation in favour of Partition through Mahomedans.
Page 90 India," "Navasakti," "Jugantar," "Sandhya" were not limbs of the same conspiracy. There were controversy between them. Aravinda never suggested recourse to violence, he was constitutionally incapable of it. He was more a philosopher than a politician. Measures of "self-defence" were organised when Mahomedans were put up to attack Hindus. I had never seen the view of the extremists that there should be bloodshed or murder. P. W. 106. Dwarka Nath Bhattacharya.―Teacher Rajshai School. Narendra Buxi and Krishna Jibon were in the School in 1905. When Sir Bamfylde Fuller came to Rajshahi 70/80 boys were absent from school. The two boys were rusticated with two others. They were good boys in their classes. P. W. 107. Sarat Chandra Das―I was accused in a Forgery Case, was made approver and gave evidence. Then employed by Police in 1905. Watched several houses and saw various accused visiting them. I was concerned in fraudulent conspiracies from 1900 and forged securities of over a lakh were circulated. Identifies―Sailendra. Abinash. Arabinda. Barindra. Hem Dass. Bejoy Nag. Dindoyal and others. Did not see Hem Das go to No. 15. Once went to No. 48 Grey Street. I started an eating house in 1904. In 1905 I gave evidence in the High Court. I said r was in fraudulent conspiracy with forgers. I was then arrested in 38/4 Raja Navakisen Street. I occupied a part of it. In 1900 I began the conspiracy. Forged securities for Rs. 1,25,000 were circulated. Blank G. P. Notes were got out of the Bank by bribing clerks. On one paper the name of Prosad Das Boral was forged. I may have been present then. Heard Sailendra's name in February before I began watches. I watched from middle of March. P. W. 108. Balwant Krishna.―Head Constable. Nagpur. Arabinda delivered four lectures to Extremists at Nagpur on 22 Dec. 1907 and 30th ., 31st . Jan. and 1st Feb. 1908. Sam Sundar Chakraborty was with him. I took no notes but made verbal reports to superiors. P. W: 109. U. C. Bapat.―Inspector, Dhulia, Kandesh. Aravinda came to Dhulia in Dec. 1907 on his way to Surat Congress. On 26th Jan. 1908 he delivered a speech. I took notes Ex. 82. P. W 110. Nana Abaji―D. S. P. Khandesh. Present at meeting' on 26th Jan. when Arabinda delivered lecture. Last witness took notes and made a report. P. W 111. Dattatraya.― Head Constable, Nasik. Aravinda came to Nasik on 24th Jan. 1908. I took notes of his lectures Ex. 84. P. W. 112. Ins. Gopal Rao.―Amraoti. Arabinda came to Amraoti on 28th Jan. He delivered a speech. I noted down Page 91 immediately after the meeting. On 29th he made another speech. P. W. 113. K. B. Dutt. Barrister. Presided at the Midnapur Conference on 7th Dec. 1907. There were volunteers. Arabinda was present. There was opposition to my election as President. 'I'hey wanted me to speak on Swaraj and Boycott. Eventually I was elected. I appealed to Aravinda to stop row coming from the boys. There was confusion about election of subjects committee .. I had no knowledge what views Arabinda held. The District Judge was for allowing the boys to use. Bande Mataram badges. He designed the badges in my presence. The Magistrate was opposed to it. P. W. 114. Manikram Kahar. Postman, Bagbazar Post Office. Delivered letter addressed to Upendra :Mazumdar and Bl1rindra Ghose at No. 15 Gopi Mohan Dutta's Lane. P. W. 115. Kabiruddin Ahmad. Deputy Inspector of Schools. Bengali book Ex. 1464 was given to me for translation. P. W. 116. Masitdal Hu1q. Sub· Registrar, Kustia. Travelled down with Kunjolal Sahli. in same train on 17th April 1908 to Calcutta. P. W. 117. H. O. Ghattak.―Same as last witness. P. W.118. Momnatho Das.―No. 15 G. M. Dutt's Lane belongs to pleader Adhar Ghose whose clerk I am. Nirapodo calling himself Amarendra Banerjea took lease of the house in April 1908. Receipt dated 19.4-08. Ex. 385/1 was given by me to him for rent paid. I did not see who lived in the house. P. W. 119. S. 1. Dinabandhu Bhattacharya.―Sub-Inspector, Maniktola from 23rd December 1907 to 15th June 1908. Went to the garden and spoke to people there-to Upendra and Sachindra, about 20 days before 2nd May. Upendra was in a Sannyasi cloth. Sachin said he was taught Geeta there by Upendra. I don't identify any other accused. I had no suspicion that arms were hidden or manufactured there. I had no suspicion about the place. On two other occasions I. went there. Did not find the two but others who said they had come to see the Sannyasi. Did not see Police Officers near the garden on those occasions. I was called at 8 A.M. on 2nd May to the garden and saw lots of Police there. 18 men were arrested, under sec. 54 Or. P. O. I got Ex. 896, 924, 925 from Post Master. I entered a charge in the Thana Diary. A first information was brought to me on 17th 'May signed by P. C. Biswas. Upendra's conversation interested me. I can imagine he would interest young' people. I never heard guns fired at the garden nor the beat constable report to me. I told them I was a police officer. Page 92 P. W. 120. Methu Pasi.― tapper. Took lease of one tree in the garden for Rs.2/- which I gave to Upendra Banerjea and got a receipt Ex. 855. There were 5/6 Babus. Upen used to read―others moved about, sat and listen. Did not see them practising firearm, nor heard report of gun. P. W. 121. Madhub Roy.―Teacher, Kustia School. Sebak Samity started in 1907. Kunja. was Captain of sporting branch, I was President. Kunjo taught lathi play. There were physical mental and moral branches. Movement for physical culture going on in the country for 15 years. P. W. 122. Satish Ohandra Mookerji.―Bengal National College was started in August 1906. I was sometimes its Principal. Aravinda was sometime Professor and Principal. Prospectus Ex. 1465. Sachindra Sen was student from 27-8-07 to 20-9-07. Bibhuti attended from 13-11-06 to 21-9-07, Sushil Sen from 20-7-07 to 27-1-08, Birendra Sen from 20-12-06 to 23-3-08. P. W. 123. Amrita Lal Rai. Khudiram Bose was my brother-in-law. He was hanged. Ex. 73 is his photo. He lived also with Satyendra who was hanged. Purna Senwas at school with Khudiram. P. W.124. Indu Bhusan Rai. Sudhir used to attend Khulna National School. P. W. 125.-Protap Chaki.―Ex. 32 is photo of my brother Profulla Chaki. He shot himself. He was never known as Dinesh Ch. Roy. P. W. 126 .. Jnanendra K. Nag.-Knew Hem Das for 12 years. He was a photographer, and went to France in Sep. 1906. Ex. 321, 329, 364, 366, 368, 369/3-33 are his writings. He told me on return that he learned jewellery business and photography in France. P. W. 127. Bhubon Mohan Das.― Purna Sen was connected with swadeshi movement in Tamluq. Khudiram Bose, convicted and hanged for Muzaffarpur murders, stayed in his house. I was once convicted of theft but released on appeal. Police were not present at the meeting .. Don't remember what Purna said at the meeting. Can't say whose photo is Ex. 73. P. W. 128. Bisweswar P. Sen.―Proprietor of 'Kamala Press' at 36 Bonomali Sarkar's Street. Jugantar was printed in my Press from Chaitra 1312 to Baisak 1313. I have done work for Chhatra Bhandar, and job work for the Navasakti. I gave up printing Jugantar as I was told it was written in such a way that my Press might be confiscated. P. W. 129. Atulkrishna Mandal. Head Constable. Jogindra, alias Lal Behary Sen, writer of Sandhya was prosecuted for false declaration. Provas De stood surety for him. Provas declared Page 93 himself Printer and publisher of Jugantar in Sept, 1907 but was not accepted. He was convicted by Mr. Kingsford for assaulting Police on the day Bepin Chandra Pal was convicted. P. W. 130. Safdul Sheikh―Hrisikesh hired his carriage to go to Chundernagore in Sep. or Oct. of 1907. P. W 131. Sachindra Chattetji―I lived at 38 Muraripukur Road. Many people lived at 32. Ullaskar, Upendra and Poresh I saw near about the garden. There is a path through the garden and people pass through it. P. W.132. Mohammad Basiruddin.―Postman, Harrison Road Post Office. 23 Scott's Lane is my beat. Arabinda lived there. I delivered money orders and parcels to him. Others lived there and got their letters. Identifies Barindra only. P. W. 133. Indu Bhuson Bose.―People used to come to No. 32 ~Muraripukur Road. I can identify only Bejoy Nag. P. W. 134. Jatindra Lahiry. I owned once this pistol Ex. xv. in 1907. Narendra Gosain was my cousin. I sold it to him for 60 Rupees. Another man like Upendra was with him. P. W. 135. Narendra K. Sarkar.-Elder brother of Sudhir Sarkar who left School in Jan. 1908. He used to ask men to use swadeshi goods. He stayed sometime in Rajnarain Bose's house in Deoghar in Nov. 1907. P. W. 136. Jog Jibon Roy. Brother of Nikhileswar Roy. I used to stay at 'Sumati' Press at 68 Maniktola Street. I heard it was my brother's. P. W. 137. Fagazuddin.―Constable. Remember the bomb explosion at Muzaffarpur. Ex 31 and 73 are the Photos of the two men who used to walk about for 2 days at night near the club where bomb was thrown. P. W.138. Kisory Mohan Banerjee.―My office was at the Dhuramsala in Muzaffarpur. End of March 1908 one Dinesh Chandra Roy and a boy came there from Calcutta. They said they lost money in the train going to Benares and I permitted them to stay. Money came to them to my care. I never saw the men after 10th April. P. W. 139, Fateh Singh.―vConstable Muzaffarpur. After murder of two ladies, I was deputed to Waini Station. Seized Khudiram there with two pistols Ex. 842 and 843. He had also cartridges. He was hanged. . P. W.14O. Abdul Rahaman.―Lived opposite the Jugantar Press at 41 Champatola 1st Lane. Upendra, Birendra Sen, Krishna Jihon and Kanai Dutt used to go there. P. W. 141. Ambica Ck. Sanyal (Clerk in Rangpur Zilla School. There was a disturbance over a political meeting. Some Page 94 boys were fined. Poresh Moulik fined 5/ .. Profulla Chaki was in same class with him. P. W: 142. Upendra Lal Singh.―A parcel was received from Baroda and delivered to addressee on 21st :March 1908, Ex. 976. P. W: 143. Ramkelawan.―Postman. A parcel came form Baroda addressed to C. B. Lele. P. W. 144. Adinath Roy Chowdhury.―Clerk, Jardin Skinner & Co .. Nikhileswar was employed by the Company at Chandpur in the jute season 1905-06 as muffasil purchaser. Proves some signatures of Nikhileswar. P. W. 145. Cham Chandra Chaki.―Profulla Chaki was my brother. Ex. 31 is his picture. P. W. 146. Rakhal Das Gupta. Ex. 905 shews M. O. No. 240 dated 29th April for Rs. 8, came from Habigunj redirected from Deoghar to Harrison Road. P. W: 147. Rai Charan Mozunlar.―S. I., Rungpur. Arrested Nalini Kanta Sirkar there in a political procession on 17th October 1907 marching with' lathie, singing Swadeshi songs. He was fined. P. W: 148. Satyend1'a Nath Ghose.―Brother of Birendra Ghose. Hemendra Ghose is my cousin. Arabinda's father-inlaw Bhupal Bose is another cousin. Birendra was at Boral's Kuti in Deoghar before arrest. Proves some writings. Shisir told me he started a handloom at Khulna and was going to Bombay to learn work. Hemendra told me he would go with him. P. W.149. Bamandas Mukerjee.―Teacher in Giridhi National School in 1314. Narendra Bukshi and· Krishna Jibon were students there. Narendra from 17-7-07 to 11-4-03 and Krishna Jibon from 8-7-07 to 18-2-07. They were good boys in their classes. P. W. 150. Kttmud Mohan Dutt.―Present at the search of Barindra Ghose's house on 11th May. Saw him at Sagardari 2/3 months before his arrest. P. W: 151. Girija Sundar Chakraburty.―Manager of Bande Mataram was manager of Sandhya before it for 2 years. Ex. 1050 "For me thou art not" was never a nickname of Arabinda. The paper ceased and Press confiscated by Govt. Sandhy was not connected with Jugantar or Bandemataram or Navasakti. On Good Friday 1908 Arabinda left for Kishoregunj in Maimensing, on Sunday before 17th April. Abinash went to Manirampur in a Sankirtan party the day before Chait Sankranti. P. W.152. Debendra Chatterjee.―Realised Municipal Taxes for 32 Muraripukur Road belonging to K. D. Ghose. On 28th March realised taxes, found 2/3 men-one was reading. Page 95 P. W.153. S. I. Promode Mukerjie.―Went to arrest Barindra Ghose to Boral's Kuti in Deoghar on 10th May. He was not there. I arrested him at Sagardari on 14th . Perhaps he said he came home the day before. He wanted to make a statement in train. I took him to Mr. Birley, P. W 154. Tarapodo Chatterjie.―Produces from Postmaster General's Office Ex. 1069 and 1070 and also M. O. dated 11·4·08 from Baroda for Dikshit to Arabinda-Ex. 1471. P. W. 155. D. B. Kolhi.―Adjutant of Police Chandernagore. On 11-4-08 went to house of Mayor M. Ta.rdival at 9.30 P.M. He gave me a bomb Ex. 1044. Subsequently brought it to Major Black. It was partially exploded. Mayor stopped a swadeshi meeting on 14th April. P. W. 156. Gopi Goala.―Constable. On 8th June during' a search in Grey Street a woman threw a bundle of papers from a window. Inspector picked it up. P. W. 157.-Ram Golam.―Postman, Baghbaziar. 32 Muraripukur is my beat. Saw 10/12/15 men there. Saw Upendra, Barindra and I think Abinash there. I went into the house. Saw Babus eating, reading, bathing &c. and nothing else. P. W 158. Sub-Ins. Suresh Mukerjee.―Attended a political meeting at Panthir Math, Cornwallis Street called to raise funds in the name of Leakut Hossain. 5000 people attended. I took notes Ex. 91. Hirendra Nath Dutt presided. Arabinda, Abul Kasem, 1.Lalit Ghosal, Samsundar Chakrabarty and Bepin Chandra Pal spoke. P. W 159. Saroda Charan Sen Gutpta.―Teacher, Jessore Zilla School. Manager of Sandhya for a year in 1907. While press was at 23 Sib Narain Das' Lane two or three issues of Jugantar were printed there on payment of costs. Upadhyaya and Arabinda did not agree in their opinions. There was no connection between Sandhya and,tTugantar and Bande Mataram. Arabinda arrived at Kishoregunj on Saturday after the Good Friday. P. W 160. Ins. E. B. Huey.-I arrested Sushil Sen on 26-8-07 as he struck me on the neck with his hand and umbrella. Bepin Candra Pal was being tried that day for Contempt of Court in refusing to give evidence against Arabinda. Sushil was convicted on 27 -8-07 to 15 stripes. P. W. 161. Upendra Nath Bhattacharja.―Brother of Abinash Bhattacharya. Abinash had the Sadhona Press at 41 Champatola Lane, where there was a Mess upstairs. Sailen Bose lived there. Saw Dindoyal there. After he was acquitted and Basanta acquitted he sold the Press. I saw Jugantar printed there, on one occasion. P. W. 162. Bepin Behary Banerjea.―Two years ago Naren Gossain went with Arabinda Ghose and 2/3 others to Hasnadanga. Page 96 He stayed 3/4 months. A man like the one in photo Ex. 31 was with him. P. W. 163. Aju Bakar Singh.―Head Constable. 32 Muraripukur is in my beat. Saw 7/8 men there in garua cloths, e.g. Upendra., Nikhileswar, Indra Nundy, Hemendra Ghose, Barindra, Bibhuti, and Poresh. I told them I was Policeman. They said they were sadhus. P. W. 164. Jagat Singh.―Qn 24th Jan. 1908 attended Political meeting as Police officer at Nasik. Aravinda. delivered a. lecture. I made notes and then a report. Notes marked Ex. 86. I was dismissed on 15th Nov. 1908. P. W: 165. Malik Fuzle Huq.―Constable. Used to go on rounds to 32 Muraripukur Road. Saw people wearing garua clothes. Saw Upendra, Nikhileswar, Sudhir, Sachindra, Sishir, Nagendra, Ullaskar, Bibhuti, Hemendra, Paresh, Kunjalal and Barindra.. Saw one Bhaba Bhusan Mittra also. A case is going on now against him. I went there 4/5 times. Upendra. said they were sadhus and Police had no necessity to come there. I went there last on the night before the arrest. I was not suspicious. I had no necessity to look at them closely. I saw them doing nothing but reading. I had no object in looking at their faces. P. W: 166. Ghanesham Das.―I was present at the two searches of Hem Chandra Das' house. I know 15 Bhowani Charan Dutt's Lane. Saw people dressed as sadhus going there. Identifies Debabrata Bose and Indra Nundy. I am not a particular friend of the Police. I lived at Pataldanga and was taken to Hem Das' house by Police at Shambazar. P. W: 167. Upendra Nath Bose.―Sub. Inspector. I searched 55(3 Grey Street. Ex. 1188 and 1190 were found at the search. I was present also at the search of No. 48 Grey Street. P. W: 168. Jnanendra Nath Sarkar.― Taranath Rai Chowdhury was my tenant at 4 Raja's Lane. He used to teach my younger brother. He left in March or April 1908. Police searched his room in May. Papers, arms and ammunitions were found all in a box which he brought one day. The box was like Ex. 1447. P. W. 169. A. P. Elloy.―Ex. 1050 is a telegram sent to office for delivery. I transmitted the message to Benares. P. W. 170. Patandirt Tewari.―Post-man, Baghbazar office. I delivered letters to No. 32 Muraripukur Road, to Barin Ghosh, Upen and Poresh. I knew Barin as Sukumar. The Babu used to read, write and sit. I did not see Bejoy or Bibhuti there. P. W. 171. Panna Lall Brahmackari.― Sub. Inspector, attended a political meeting at Chetla on 8th April 1908. Page 97 |