Seventh batch of Netaji files released: Was there an assassination attempt by the British?

Records in the latest batch of files deal mainly with the controversy surrounding the death of Netaji, a possibility of an assassination attempt, his cremation and correspondence with his family.

Snapshot of file related to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (Source: netajipapers.gov.in)

Some interesting documentation available in the current batch are as follows:

# Possibility of an assassination plot against Netaji

An Irish historian had revealed that the British intelligence agency had plotted an assassination against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The Special Operation Committee (SOE) of the British intelligence agency was intimidated by the prospect of Netaji advancing towards the far East, and had directed their agents in Istanbul and Cairo to capture and assassinate Bose. However, since Bose reached Germany through Moscow, the plot had failed.

# Officials of the Indian Embassy in Japan had been trying to get hold of Netaji’s ashes for a DNA testing

The Indian Embassy in Japan had been trying to acquire the mortal remains of Netaji that are currently stored in the Renkoji temple in Tokyo. The purpose is to verify the remains by conducting a DNA test in order to solve the puzzle surrounding his death. The Embassy’s repeated efforts had come across as deeply disturbing to the priest of the Renkoji temple and the family of Bose. Smt. Krishna Bose had written to the Indian Ambassador in Tokyo, letting him know of her disapproval of the inappropriate way in which the priest had been asked to remove the casket which purportedly contained the ashes of Netaji.

Snapshot of file related to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (Source: netajipapers.gov.in)

# West Bengal Assembly had directed the centre to set up a commission to investigate the funds left by Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj

In 1953 the West Bengal Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution, asking the centre to investigate the property left by Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj. It was realised that some property belonging to the former INA was handed over to the India Independence League at Tokyo and was later brought to India. Apart from the property that was brought down to India, there were some funds of the India Independence League in Singapore as well.