Anuj Dhar

Anuj Dhar is an intriguing figure in the realm of Indian conspiracy theorists, known for his relentless pursuit of the truth behind the disappearance of Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence.

A former journalist and author, Dhar has dedicated his career to challenging the established narratives surrounding Bose's death. His claims and works have sparked both controversy and curiosity, delving into the mysteries surrounding one of India's most iconic leaders.

This article explores Anuj Dhar's life, claims, and contributions in his quest to uncover the truth about Subhas Chandra Bose's fate.

Anuj Dhar's Background

Anuj Dhar is a multifaceted individual, serving as an Indian conspiracy theorist, author, and former journalist. His notable contributions lie in the realm of historical research and investigating the perplexing circumstances surrounding the death of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Through his books and his not-for-profit organisation, Mission Netaji, he campaigns for the declassification of documents that may shed light on the truth.

Challenging the Established Narrative

Dhar's most significant claims revolve around the widely accepted narrative that Subhas Chandra Bose died in a plane crash. According to Dhar, Bose did not meet his end in that purported crash. Instead, he theorises that Bose lived as Gumnami Baba or Bhagwanji, a hermit in Uttar Pradesh, until 1985.

These claims, however, were debunked by the Mukherjee Commission, which conducted a DNA profiling test and rejected any linkage between Bose and Gumnami Baba. The Commission also explicitly refuted the plane crash theory, stating that Netaji 'did not die in the plane crash as alleged' and that 'the ashes in the Japanese temple are not of Netaji.'

Dhar's Controversial Beliefs

Anuj Dhar takes his theories further, suggesting that Bose may have escaped to Russia (then the Soviet Union) after the crash. He accuses successive Congress governments of being involved in a broader conspiracy to keep Netaji dead.

Despite his claims, the Mukherjee Commission failed to locate any relevant material in the KGB archives that could corroborate these allegations.

The Taiwan Connection

In 2005, the Taiwan government provided Dhar with records indicating that there was no plane crash during the period of August 14 to October 25, 1945, at the old Matsuyama Airport (now Taipei Domestic Airport).

These records played a pivotal role in supporting the Mukherjee Commission's assertion regarding the implausibility of Bose's death in an air crash.

However, historian Sugata Bose has rejected this analysis, highlighting that the region and the airport remained under Japanese occupation until 1946, and it wasn't until around 1949 when the Taiwanese government finally consolidated itself.

Anuj Dhar's Published Works

Dhar has penned several books that delve into the mysteries surrounding Subhas Chandra Bose's disappearance. Some of his notable works include:

• "Back from Dead: Inside the Subhas Bose Mystery" (2005)

• "CIA's Eye on South Asia" (2008)

• "India's Biggest Cover-up" (2012)

• "No Secrets" (2013)

• "Your Prime Minister is dead" (2019)

• "Conundrum" (2019) (co-authored with Chandrachur Ghose)

• "Government Doesn't Want You To Know This" (2021) (co-authored with Chandrachur Ghose)

Criticism and Controversies

Anuj Dhar has faced his fair share of criticism and controversies. Notably, Netaji biographer Leonard A. Gordon accused Dhar of misusing the Subhas Chandra Bose death mystery issue for contemporary Indian political purposes.

Additionally, in 2018, Dhar shared a fake photo of Subhas Chandra Bose purportedly reading news about his own death, which raised questions about the authenticity and reliability of his claims.

Conclusion

Anuj Dhar is a fascinating figure in the realm of Indian historical research and conspiracy theories, with his relentless pursuit of the truth regarding Subhas Chandra Bose's disappearance.

While his claims have sparked controversy and criticism, they have also fueled curiosity and debate around a crucial chapter in India's history.

His dedication to uncovering the hidden truths of the past keeps the legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose alive and continues to pique the interest of those intrigued by historical mysteries.