Vice President's Remark Sparks Debate: “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Did Not Die in Plane Crash”

In a statement that has reignited one of India’s most enduring historical debates, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan has said that he believes Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose did not die in the 1945 plane crash, though he admitted he has no concrete evidence to prove it.

Speaking to reporters after paying tributes at the memorial of freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, Radhakrishnan said,

“I have no proof, but I believe that Netaji did not die in that air crash. Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, who was a close associate and follower of Netaji, had once said, ‘Netaji did not die in that crash, and I have met him personally.’”

“Thevar Never Lied”: Vice President’s Faith in the Freedom Fighter’s Words

Radhakrishnan emphasized that he trusts Thevar’s account because of his honesty and integrity. “Thevar never spoke an untruth in his entire life. Even in his political journey, he followed the path of spirituality — that was his greatness,” he said.

The remarks were made on the occasion of Thevar’s 63rd Guru Puja and 118th birth anniversary, celebrated on October 30. Born in 1908, Thevar passed away on the same date in 1963.

“Justice for Netaji Must Prevail”

The Vice President further revealed that during India’s freedom movement, Jawaharlal Nehru had offered Muthuramalinga Thevar the post of Chief Minister in recognition of his contributions to the struggle for independence. However, Thevar reportedly declined the offer, saying that he only sought justice for Netaji Bose.

“His dedication was never about position or power,” Radhakrishnan said. “His only wish was that the truth about Netaji be brought to light and justice be done to him.”

Revisiting the Mystery Around Netaji’s Death

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters and founder of the Indian National Army (INA), was officially declared dead following a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945. However, his death has remained a subject of controversy and speculation for decades.

Several inquiry commissions — including the Shah Nawaz Committee (1956), Khosla Commission (1970), and Justice Mukherjee Commission (2006) — were set up to investigate the circumstances of his death.
While the first two upheld the theory of a plane crash, the Mukherjee Commission concluded that Bose did not die in the crash, though its findings were later rejected by the government.

Radhakrishnan’s recent comment has once again rekindled the debate surrounding Netaji’s disappearance and possible survival after 1945 — a mystery that continues to intrigue historians and the public alike.

First Visit to Tamil Nadu as Vice President

This was Vice President Radhakrishnan’s first official visit to Tamil Nadu since assuming office. During his visit, he also highlighted the contributions of Pasumpon Thevar to India’s freedom movement and called him a symbol of courage, integrity, and devotion.

He added that it was essential for the younger generation to learn from the values that Thevar and leaders like Netaji Bose embodied — courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

A Statement That May Spur Fresh Discussion

Radhakrishnan’s statement has drawn attention nationwide, as it echoes the long-standing belief among many that Netaji’s death remains unresolved. His emphasis on “justice for Netaji” may also renew public calls for the government to re-examine historical records and classified documents related to Bose’s final days.

For now, while the Vice President admitted to lacking direct proof, his conviction — based on Thevar’s testimony — adds another intriguing layer to the mystery that refuses to fade even 80 years after India’s independence.