Freedom Fighter Dies at 102 Still Awaiting Recognition Despite Court Order
102-year-old freedom fighter dies in Chhatarpur without govt recognition.
Rajendra Mahto, a 102-year-old freedom fighter from Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, passed away on January 17, days ahead of the 77th Republic Day, having spent much of his life seeking official recognition for his contributions to India’s independence. Despite a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling in his favour in June 2025, the state government never implemented the order.
Seven years ago, seeing no progress, Mahto had approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court directed the government to officially declare him a freedom fighter, prompting his family to submit multiple applications to the Chief Minister and senior officials. Unfortunately, bureaucratic delays prevented the recognition before his death.
Prashant Mahto, his grandson, revealed that even at 102, Rajendra tirelessly approached officials to secure his rightful honor. “Applications based on the court order were repeatedly submitted, but no response came. The government even asked for six more months when we followed up,” he said.
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Rajendra Mahto’s son, Umakant Mahto, recounted his father’s heroic journey during India’s independence movement. He highlighted Rajendra’s role in the Praja Mandal movement (1945–1947), his battles against the princely states of Chhatarpur and Charkhari, evading arrests, surviving in forests, enduring hunger, injuries, and imprisonment.
Influenced by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rajendra belonged to the extremist faction and actively participated in acts like uprooting railway tracks, repeated jail terms, and defying bans on hoisting the national flag. He also took part in Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, continuing to fight for freedom despite the dangers.
Rajendra Mahto’s death has sparked criticism over the state government’s inaction, highlighting the ongoing struggle of many unsung freedom fighters who risked their lives for India yet remain unrecognized officially. His family hopes that his legacy will inspire authorities to honor others who fought for the nation’s independence.
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