In a significant move to reclaim a pivotal piece of India's freedom struggle history, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has formally requested the United Kingdom to provide original audio and video recordings of the trial of legendary martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Hari Rajguru.
Formal Request to British Authorities
On January 9, 2025, Chief Minister Mann addressed a letter to the British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Alba Smeriglio. The communication seeks the handover of archival materials believed to be preserved in a museum or institution in Scotland that holds historical legal archives from the colonial era.
Mann emphasized the deep historical and emotional value these records hold for the people of Punjab. He stated they are also crucial for global scholars studying history and human rights movements.
Destination: Shaheed Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex
The Punjab Government aims to acquire these materials for academic research, digital preservation, and public exhibition. The intended destination is the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex in Khatkar Kalan, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
In his letter, Mann expressed gratitude if the UK authorities could facilitate the provision of the archival material or guide the state on the formal procedure to obtain copies. He designated Abhinav Trikha, Secretary of the Tourism Department, as the nodal officer for coordination and procedural follow-up.
A Continued Pursuit of Historical Legacy
This initiative is not the state government's first attempt to locate visual records of Bhagat Singh. In December 2025, during a meeting with a delegation from the Bar Council of England and Wales, Mann had sought the legal fraternity's support. He had mentioned that no video record of the freedom fighter exists in India and indicated that rare footage might be with Scotland Yard from the time of his arrest and trial.
The Chief Minister framed this effort as a major step toward honoring a shared history and the universal ideals of justice, sacrifice, and human dignity. The state government's push underscores its focus on preserving and showcasing Punjab's central role in India's independence movement for future generations.
