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Bhai Kotwal

(1912 – 1943) – (Maharashtra)

Vitthal Laxman Kotwal (Aged 31) born on 1912 hailing from Matheran in Karjat taluka, Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, India. He was also known as ‘Annasaheb Kotwal’ or ‘Bhai Kotwal,’ established an association of farmers to start a granary and provide food to people at reasonable rates. Along with Gomaji Patil, he formed a revolutionary group called ‘Azad Dasta’ or ‘Kotwal Dasta’ consisting of 20 individuals.

This faction of revolutionaries attempted to disrupt the power supply to Pune and Mumbai by targeting powerhouses such as Bhira, Bhivapuri, Chola, and others. The group carried out this objective by dropping hundreds of electricity pylons one after the other over several days. They also raided several police units and disarmed them.

In January 1943, while camping on Siddhagad hill, the group was surrounded by around 100 policemen. During the encounter with the British Police officer, DSP R. Hall, Bhai Kotwal was martyred in this struggle.