In the quiet village of Mahal, the home of a brave son of the Sikh nation stands as a symbol of both pride and sacrifice. This village belongs to Shaheed Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu, a devoted member of the All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF) and a close companion of notable warriors of the Khalistani movement, such as Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola Petrol and Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda. His life’s journey, shaped by the patronage of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, took him into the heart of the struggle for Sikh sovereignty. Bhai Daljit Singh’s courage and determination not only made him a hero in the eyes of his community but also led him to martyrdom in 1989, at the hands of police during extrajudicial custody. Today, his legacy lives on through the memories and stories cherished by those who knew him.
Birth and Early Life
Shaheed Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu was born on January 3, 1961, in the village of Mahal, located in the district of Amritsar. He was the son of Mata Ranjit Kaur and Sardar Mahinder Singh. Daljit Singh was one of four siblings, including Sukhbir Singh, Lakhbir Singh, and Lakhwinder Kaur. Daljit Singh was affectionately called “Bodu” from a young age due to his thick hair, a nickname that would become a permanent part of his identity. He completed his early education at the village government school, studying until the 10th grade. For higher studies, he enrolled at Khalsa College, Amritsar, where his journey towards becoming a pivotal figure in the Sikh resistance movement would soon begin.
AISSF Membership and Association with Saint Ji
While Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu pursuing his higher education at Khalsa College in Amritsar, He became part of a vibrant student community that played a crucial role in the resurgence of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), especially after breaking away from the influence of Naxalite ideologues. The college was a hub for Sikh students, and it was during this time that Daljit Singh formed strong bonds with influential figures like Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Mathra Singh. He excelled in academics and emerged as a prominent leader in sports, particularly in shooting.
In 1982, as the Dharma Yudh Morcha was launched by Damdami Taksal and Akali Dal, Bhai Daljit Singh actively joined the Sant Bhindranwale Jatha, responding to the call of the Sant Ji. His commitment to the cause was evident as he courageously confronted anti-Sikh elements, and his valor in these actions remains a notable part of Sikh history. In 1982-83, Bhai Bodu was arrested by the police in Gadli, the village of Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda, due to his involvement in various activities. However, with the support of the village panchayat, he was later rescued, reflecting the strong community ties and loyalty among the Sikh youth during that period.
Assassination of Ramesh Chandra – May 12, 1984
In alignment with the policies of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu, and his fellow Singhs actively engaged in numerous actions advocating for Sikh rights. Among these, the assassination of Ramesh Chandra, a ‘yellow journalist’ with the Punjab Kesari newspaper group in Jalandhar, stood out as particularly significant. The Hind Samachar newspaper group, founded by Lala Jagat Narayan, had long been opposed to the rightful demands of the Sikh community. This animosity reached a critical point when Lala Jagat Narayan was assassinated in September 1981, a consequence of his anti-Sikh writings and his advocacy for government policies that perpetuated atrocities against the Sikh community.
On May 12, 1984, Ramesh Chandra was assassinated in Jalandhar for continuing his father’s legacy of publishing derogatory articles against Sikhs. Sant Bhindranwale addressed the issue from the stage, declaring, “How long will this peace be kept? Here is the photo of Lala Jagat Narayan alongside Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. On the right is the photo of Lala Jagat Narayan, and on the left is the photo of the tenth Patshah, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. He is a man of one cent—no mother, no father, no background, neither give nor take. Just like his father, Ramesh dared to print a photo that equates him to our Gurus. How many Sikhs are present here in Sangat? Has any Sikh ever dared to print a photo equal to Lord Krishna or Ram Chandra ji? I want to convey to Ramesh and the government that he must either issue a written apology to the Sikh community by the day after tomorrow or by the fourth. If Ramesh does not recognize his mistakes and fails to seek forgiveness, then should something happen to him, the responsibility will lie with the government and Ramesh himself, not with me or the Sikh community.” (The crowd responded with shouts of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.”)
Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu and five others were identified as key figures in the assassination, including Bhai Mathra Singh, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola, General Labh Singh Panjwar, and Bhai Swaranjit Singh Aladdinpur. On that fateful day, 60-year-old Ramesh Chandra was shot dead in broad daylight while leaving a meeting in his vehicle on a busy street in Jalandhar. Following the assassination, doctors removed 64 bullets from his body. The action was claimed by the Singhs under the name of the Dashmesh Regiment. Despite the strict blockades set up at every intersection throughout Punjab, the six Singhs managed to reach Sri Amritsar safely after the operation.
Revenge for martyrdom of Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi
The quest for justice intensified when Bhai Bhola discovered Shinda, the man responsible for the martyrdom of Bhai Surinder Singh Sodhi. In a swift act of retribution, Bhai Bhola took Shinda’s life, dismembering him within hours. The saints praised Bhai Bhola’s decisive action, declaring, “I will weigh you with my heart…” During this period, the duo of Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola Petrol and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu engaged in numerous coordinated efforts, showcasing their shared commitment to avenging the wrongs done to their community.
Arrest – May 21, 1984
After a brief period of rest, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu regrouped and prepared for their next course of action. According to reliable sources, their target was Bhajan Lal, the Chief Minister of Haryana. During his tenure, Bhajan Lal had repeatedly humiliated Sikhs, going so far as to strip Sikh women in public and openly defy their dignity. This blatant disregard for the Sikh community drew the ire of many, including Sant Bhindranwale, who publicly accepted Bhajan Lal’s challenge. From the stage, he addressed the media, saying, “The newspapers have asked me about Bhajan Lal. Please tell me about Haryana; is this their Haryana? Those who have burnt effigies, desecrated Gurdwaras, torched trucks, and shamed our sisters will not find peace until they are driven away. Bhajan Lal must be held accountable for his actions.”
Thus, on May 21, 1984, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu departed from Sri Amritsar Sahib with the intent to assassinate Bhajan Lal. Their mission was not only driven by personal conviction but also inspired by the legacy of courageous warriors from history. These warriors, who once ventured to Rajasthan to confront the notorious massa rangar from Budha Johar, returned triumphantly, brandishing the head of their adversary and eliciting cheers from the Sikh community. Such acts of valor resonated deeply with Bhai Bhola and Bhai Bodu, fueling their resolve to seek justice for their community by targeting Bhajan Lal.
Armed with a hidden firearm, they approached their target, but fate intervened. As they reached a gate in Jandiala, the police encircled their vehicle. Caught off guard, the Singhs were unable to fight back due to the concealment of their weapon and were swiftly apprehended. During the interrogation, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu displayed remarkable courage, answering questions with unwavering resolve. However, a Munshi from Tarn Taran recognized Bhola, escalating the situation.
Bhai Amrik Singh, concerned about the possibility of a fabricated encounter, alerted the DSP of Jandiala and warned him to avoid any wrongful actions. Despite his warnings, many police officers subjected Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu to severe torture before dragging them to court. As they were brought in, handcuffed, the two young men raised their voices in a thunderous chant of “Khalistan Zindabad.” Their resolute spirit captivated the onlookers, drawing the attention of the crowd, who paused their activities to witness the courage of these brave Singhs surrounded by police forces.
Imprisonment Days —May 1984 to February 1989
Following their arrest, numerous cases were filed against Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu, leading to their imprisonment in Amritsar Jail. In the days that followed, the Indian state severed Punjab from the rest of the world and launched a military assault on Sri Darbar Sahib, marking a critical turning point in Sikh history. During this tumultuous period, Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwala, Bhai Amrik Singh, and hundreds of brave Kalgidhar sons stood their ground against the oppressive forces. The Indian Army committed heinous acts within the Harmandir Sahib complex, atrocities that surpassed even the brutalities of Mughal oppression.
For the brave men confined behind the thick bars of their prison cells, news of these horrific events ignited their passion for justice and resistance. As the days turned into weeks, the situation escalated further. On October 31, 1984, during their scheduled court appearance in Amritsar, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu received the celebrating news of Indira Gandhi’s assassination at the hands of Guru’s sons. Overcome with a mix of elation and defiance, the warriors leaped and shouted in their handcuffs, expressing their exhilaration in the face of such significant news. Their jubilant outburst sent the policemen escorting them into a panic, as they struggled to manage the situation.
At that time, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola Petrol and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu were also entangled in the ongoing case related to the murder of Ramesh Chandra. On that particular court date, Bhai Labh Singh Panjwar was brought in from Jodhpur Jail, while Daljit Singh Bodu remained incarcerated in Jalandhar Security Jail. Among their fellow Singhs, Bhai Bakhshish Singh Malowal had already attained martyrdom during the Ghalughara of June ’84 while valiantly resisting the army. Meanwhile, Bhai Mathra Singh was actively engaged in the battlefield.
During their time in prison, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu dedicated himself to spiritual practice, reciting numerous Bani. He would rise almost every night at one o’clock to perform his daily rituals after taking a bath. Many of his companions humorously remarked, “Bodu builds a Gurdwara in whatever prison he goes to,” highlighting his unwavering faith and determination to keep the spirit of Sikhism alive, even in confinement.
The Picture of Prison
Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu found himself shackled in Jalandhar Jail, where the weight of his confinement was felt not only by him but also by his family, especially his mother, Ranjit Kaur. Upon learning of her son’s situation, she expressed her distress, exclaiming, “How is he sleeping? How does he sit? I can’t bear to see him like this… I won’t go to see him!” Her heart ached at the thought of her son enduring such hardship.
When Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu heard of his mother’s anguish, he initially laughed, but then his demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. He decided to take action to ease her pain. Inspired by a famous image of Shaheed Bhagat Singh seated on a bed, his feet shackled, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu posed for a similar photograph in his own cell. He sent this picture home, along with a poignant message: “You have seen Bhagat Singh sitting like this many times… He was also the son of a mother… Bhagat Singh also had a mother.”
This heartfelt gesture had a profound impact on Ranjit Kaur. She cherished that photograph, holding onto it through countless storms and challenges, and it remains a treasured keepsake to this day. Additionally, Singhs who traveled to Taran Taran often stopped their vehicles in front of Bhai Bhole’s house, taking the time to meet with the family and share stories, further strengthening the bonds of community and support during such difficult times.
Ludhiana Courts Escape Case —April 1986
In April 1986, as the Singhs were being transferred between various jails, Bhai Labh Singh reached out to Bhai Manbir Singh Chaheru’s group to devise a plan for a daring rescue operation. Their target was to free the imprisoned Singhs during their court appearance in Jalandhar. Among the Singhs, only Labh Singh, who had just been transferred from Jodhpur Jail, was aware of this carefully orchestrated scheme. He was brought to Jalandhar Jail just a day before the operation.
On April 9, 1986, all the Singhs were scheduled to appear in the Jalandhar courts regarding the Ramesh Chandra murder case. Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu were transported from Amritsar Jail for this important date. As they arrived, Bhai Bodu noticed a clean-shaven young man sitting cross-legged, and something in the young man’s eyes hinted that a significant event was about to unfold in the courtroom. However, there was no opportunity for the Singhs to confer, as family members of each Bandi Singh typically attended court appearances.
As the hearing commenced, General Labh Singh executed their plan by leading the policemen away to the bathrooms. Suddenly, the courtroom erupted in chaos as gunfire rang out. In the crossfire, seven policemen were killed. Though Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola Petrol and Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu were seated on opposite sides of the courtroom, Bhai Bhola seized the opportunity to escape. However, in a moment of miscalculation, he fled towards a section swarming with police.
Amidst the turmoil, the rescuers, who had come with the intent of freeing the Singhs, recognized Bhai Bhola’s plight. They called out to him from a distance, urging him to run in the opposite direction. Taking their advice, Bhola managed to evade capture and escape. This bold operation led to the successful release of Bhai Labh Singh Panjwar, Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola, and Bhai Swaranjit Singh Aladinpur from police custody. Unfortunately, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu remained trapped.
The audacity of this Kharku action reverberated throughout Delhi, inciting the ire of the government and law enforcement officials against Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu. Over the next two days, he endured relentless torture as the police sought answers. “You knew the entire scheme… tell us who was involved and where they have gone!” they demanded. In response, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu remained resolute, repeatedly stating, “If I had known, I would have escaped also.” His words rang true; he genuinely had no foreknowledge of the escape plan, as Bhai Gurinder Singh Bhola had learned of it only at the last moment. Despite his innocence, Bhai Bodu faced severe wrath from the authorities, who were venting their frustration and desperation over the escape. Ultimately, he was sent back to jail once more.
Released – February 1989
In February 1989, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu was finally released after spending four and a half long years in Amritsar Jail. His imprisonment was a turbulent time, marked by the martyrdom of many of his fellow Singhs and the arrest of numerous others who shared his struggle for justice and rights. Following the approval of bail in several key cases, Bhai Daljit Singh was welcomed back into the Panth with open arms.
As a gesture of gratitude, his family organized an Akhand Path Sahib, a continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, to celebrate his return. During the concluding ceremony, the Granthi Singh of the Gurdwara Sahib invited Bhai Daljit Singh to stand up so that the Sangat (congregation) could have his darshan (viewing). Overcome with humility and reverence, Bhai Daljit Singh addressed the gathered Sangat: “I have come to see you all in front of Guru Sahib… I am but a humble servant… I seek to glimpse the Sangat…”
Despite his peaceful demeanor and dedication to spiritual practice, which included the continued recitation of Bani (verses from the Guru Granth Sahib), Bhai Daljit Singh remained a figure of concern for the Indian state and its authorities. In their eyes, this young man, who simply wished to live a life of peace and devotion, was still viewed as a thorn in their side due to his unwavering commitment to the Sikh cause and the resistance against injustices faced by his community.
Re-arrest —07 June 1989
On June 7, 1989, during the martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Arjan Sahib, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu and several other youth from his community offered cold sweet water to the devotees. However, his act of service attracted the attention of Inspector Sukhdev Brar from the PS Sadar Amritsar, who passed by in a police jeep. After a brief observation, the policemen left but returned later that evening.
At around 7:30 PM, when Bhai Daljit Singh arrived home, he was approached by the police. They assured him, “We will only take you for a brief interview and ask a few questions before releasing you.” However, the reality was far more sinister; the authorities had sinister intentions, having targeted him for interrogation with plans to eliminate him. Reports indicated that SSP Rajan Gupta had ordered his officers to ensure that this young man did not leave alive.
Despite their initial promises, the police took Bhai Daljit Singh into custody, disregarding their commitment to release him. His father, Mahinder Singh, immediately contacted the Punjab Governor and the Director General of Police (DGP), sending a telegram to the District Deputy Commissioner, but received no response. Undeterred, the family continued to seek justice, reaching out to various officials in hopes of locating Bhai Daljit Singh. However, every time they seemed to get closer, he was transferred to another location.
Weeks turned into months, and eventually, the family discovered that Bhai Daljit Singh was being held at the ‘Gharinda’ police station. They realized that each time they approached the police directly, he was promptly moved to evade them. In light of this, they devised a more discreet strategy to confirm his whereabouts.
In October 1989, a relative from Nathupura village found himself in a minor dispute that led him to Gharinde police station. Recognizing an opportunity, Bhai Daljit Singh’s family decided to join the local panchayat (village council) that was addressing the matter. This plan allowed them to gain access to the police station without raising suspicion.
When Bhai Daljit Singh’s parents entered the station, they finally laid eyes on their son after months of uncertainty. Though their hearts soared with joy, they had to maintain their composure; any sign of affection could alert the police, leading to Bhai Bodu’s transfer once again. In a moment of shared resilience, Bhai Daljit Singh smiled and communicated that he was holding up well under the circumstances. With heavy hearts, his parents left the police station after meeting him three times.
On their fourth visit, however, they were informed that Bhai Daljit Singh had been moved again, but the new location was not disclosed to them. This continued evasion prompted local religious organizations and the Sikh Students Federation to take action. Under the leadership of Bhai Manjit Singh, they surrounded the police station to demand Bhai Bodu’s release. However, the regime was unyielding, and the police swiftly arrested Bhai Manjit Singh and his supporters. Although they were released later that night, the determination to bring Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu back to safety only grew stronger among the community.
Martyrdom —14 October 1989
As the oppressive atmosphere thickened in Punjab, the Indian government made a chilling decision regarding Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu’s fate. On the eve of October 14, 1989, it was determined that he would be executed alongside another young warrior, Bhai Avinash Singh Jammu.
In a moment filled with foreboding, a police officer approached Bhai Daljit Singh and informed him of the grim decision: “Now you have to be killed… Would you like to meet someone?” In response, Bhai Daljit Singh, embodying the courage and composure of a true martyr, replied resolutely, “No, just let me recite and pray.” This request, a reflection of his deep faith and unwavering commitment to his cause, resonated profoundly within the walls of that dark police station. The Sikh officer, perhaps moved by the gravity of the moment, respected his wish and waited quietly as Bhai Daljit Singh engaged in his final prayers, reciting bani (sacred verses) that had always provided him solace.
As the night deepened on October 14, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu and Bhai Avinash Singh Jammu were taken from the police station. Under the cover of darkness, they were transported to a desolate location, where the executioners awaited. The quiet night was shattered by the gunfire that rang out, signaling the martyrdom of these two brave souls. Their blood spilled upon the soil of Punjab, a land already tarnished by the relentless boots of the Indian state’s oppressors.
In their ultimate sacrifice, Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu and Bhai Avinash Singh Jammu did not just lay down their lives; they became symbols of resistance against tyranny. Their martyrdom served as a profound reminder to the people of Punjab that the struggle for justice and freedom would not be in vain. The blood of these martyrs was an assurance to the Punjabi populace that the dream of liberation from Delhi’s oppressive rule would one day be realized. Their legacy would inspire future generations to continue the fight for dignity, honor, and sovereignty.
Family Searching for Their Son
In the wake of Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu’s disappearance, a heavy silence enveloped his family. No news emerged about his fate, and the Indian authorities falsely reported that the police encounter had never occurred. His parents, haunted by uncertainty, clung to the hope that their son had merely been transferred to another police station. This hope propelled them to visit various police stations in a desperate search for any information regarding his whereabouts.
Bhai Bodu’s father, Mahinder Singh, tirelessly made nearly twenty visits to the offices of the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Sarabjit Singh, SSP Sanjeev Gupta, and DGP Mahal Singh Bhullar. Each visit yielded little more than empty assurances and indifferent responses from the officials. On December 25, 1989, he was summoned back to the police station, only to be told to return again on December 29. Similar patterns persisted, with dates set for January 2, January 5, and January 9, until the SSP finally told Mahinder Singh that he needed 8-9 days to gather information about Bhai Daljit Singh’s case, promising to call him personally. However, that call never came.
On January 17, 1990, the SSP Sanjeev Gupta finally admitted that Bhai Bodu had been arrested, but claimed that the family would be notified once his exact whereabouts were determined. This admission, while a glimmer of truth, provided little solace. It was not until May 1990 that Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu’s parents were sent to SP Harbhajan Chand, who reluctantly acknowledged their son’s presence in police custody but advised them to return later. Tragically, before any further information could be relayed, SP Harbhajan Chand was assassinated by militant forces.
During subsequent inquiries, it was revealed that Bhai Bodu had initially been held at Brahm Buta Chowki. An officer stated that he had handed the young man over to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Released detainees later reported sighting Bhai Bodu at various police torture centers, including the CRPF camps in Moga and Faridkot, and even in the interrogation facilities of Amritsar Jail and BR Model School. These testimonies painted a grim picture of the relentless torture Bhai Bodu endured before his martyrdom.
Eventually, the police directed Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu’s family to the Chheharta police station, claiming that the clothes of the deceased youth were kept there and inviting them to identify their son’s garments. With a sense of dread and hope, Bibi Ranjit Kaur and her daughter, Lakhwinder Kaur, rushed to the police station. Upon arrival, they explained their purpose to the officers, who began to unveil several bundles of clothing, each piece a silent testament to the tragedy that had unfolded.
With every garment presented to them, Bhai Bodu’s mother and sister felt the weight of despair and sorrow. Then, amid the clothing, they spotted a blood-soaked robe, and instinctively, they reached for it, their hearts racing with a mix of dread and recognition. The robe, stained with the blood of their beloved son, was a haunting reminder of the violence that had claimed him. Bibi Ranjit Kaur clutched the robe to her chest, closing her eyes in anguish. The policemen, recognizing the significance of this moment, understood without words that the blood on the garment belonged to Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu.
This incident was shrouded in a deep sense of tragedy. A mother searching for her son, and a sister seeking her brother, were met not with the embrace of their loved one but with the remnants of his brutal fate. The officers, perhaps fearful that the blood-soaked clothing would expose their heinous acts, refused to return the robe to Bhai Bodu’s family. With heavy hearts, they relinquished the bloody evidence, knowing full well that it told a story of state-sanctioned atrocities.
As they departed from the police station, the image of Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu, smiling through the blood-soaked robe, echoed in their minds. It was as if he was whispering to his mother, reassuring her: “Don’t be afraid, mother; the other clothes you have seen… they were also the sons of mothers. The enslaved nations are liberated by the sons of mothers, and for this, blood must be poured out.”
This poignant moment marked the culmination of their relentless search. If justice were to be served for the sacrifices of brave souls like Bhai Daljit Singh Bodu, the fight for freedom and dignity must continue. His legacy, along with the blood of the martyrs, demands that the struggle for justice remains alive until the dreams of those who sacrificed their lives for liberation are realized. “They will always be respected. May their impression remain forever.”
By: Bhai Baljit Singh Khalsa