Cherial (Telangana): August 27 marks the 76th anniversary of a tragic yet pivotal event in India's history, the Bairanpally massacre. While the country celebrated its independence on August 15, 1947, the Telangana region struggled under the Nizam's rule for another 13 months. The Telangana armed struggle, a movement against Nizam's oppressive regime, reached a turning point with the brutal incident in Bairanpally on August 27, 1948.
On the fateful day, 96 brave villagers from Bairanpally were lined up and shot by the Razakars, a militia led by Nizam's army chief, Qasim Razvi. The massacre was a grim reminder of the violent resistance faced by those who dared to oppose the Nizam’s rule. Even today, the memory of these martyrs serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during the struggle for Telangana's liberation
In 1948, the Razakars, led by Qasim Razvi, terrorized Telangana by establishing strongholds in villages like Maddur, Ladnur, Salakhapur, and Rebarti. They raided neighbouring villages, looting wealth and spreading fear. In response, young men from various villages formed defence forces, primarily centred in Bairanpally. Led by warriors Duburi Ramreddy, Mukunda Reddy, and Muralidhar Rao, these guerilla forces successfully resisted attacks and even reclaimed looted wealth from the Razakars near Bairanpally. This resistance only heightened the hostility of the Razakars towards the village.
In August 1948, the Razakars burned the villages of Lingapur and Dhulmitta before turning their attention toward Bairanpally. The villagers, expecting further attacks, fortified their village with a protective wall and built a high bastion at its centre. Despite two failed attempts by the Razakars to breach these defences, tragedy struck in the early hours of August 27th.
While the villagers were sleeping, a 500-strong army, led by the Deputy Collector at the time, Hashim, carried out a surprise attack on the village. The military artillery on the fortification caught fire and explosions, leaving the village vulnerable. The soldiers entered Bairanpally, shooting down anyone in their way. Forty villagers who had sought refuge in the fortification and 56 others found in different parts of the village were captured and executed.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
The Bairanpally massacre galvanised the armed struggle in Telangana, highlighting the brutal measures the Nizam's forces would take to maintain control. However, the situation changed, and on September 17, 1948, Telangana was liberated through military action led by then-Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Today, as we honour the 96 martyrs of Bairanpally, their sacrifice stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who fought for freedom and justice in Telangana. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations to respect the struggles that paved the way for the region's liberation.
