In a significant move, bringing to light a brutal chapter from India's post-independence history, the Telugu film industry has embarked on a daring journey through its forthcoming movie - "Razakar". This notable film is spearheaded by some of the celebrated names in the industry: actor Bobby Simha and actress Vedika will be donning the lead roles, while the seasoned Gudur Narayana Reddy has taken up the mantle of producer under the prestigious banner of Samarveer Creations.

The narrative will find its voice through director Yata Satyanarayana, accompanied by the lyrical prowess of Suddala Ashok Teja and the musical melodies orchestrated by Bheems Ceciroleo. Awaiting its grand release in 2024, the movie promises to be a poignant narrative painting the atrocities Hindus faced under the brutal rule of Nizam and his paramilitary force during the turbulent times before Hyderabad became a part of India.

On the auspicious occasion of Telangana Liberation Day, 17th September witnessed the unveiling of the movie's teaser by MLA Raja Singh. The teaser succinctly sets the tone for the intense and dramatic storytelling that lies ahead. It goes beyond mere entertainment, offering a deep dive into the horrifying experiences encountered by Hindus during the 1948 Hyderabad Liberation Movement at the hands of the dreaded paramilitary forces known as 'Razakar'.

Raja Singh took to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to share his sentiments on the forthcoming movie. He encouraged the nationwide audience to engage in promoting awareness about this significant film. In his words, "An excellent film titled ‘#Razakar’ is soon to be released, focusing on the tragic events of the # Hyderabad massacre during India’s struggle for independence, specifically targeting Hindus. I urge people to help promote awareness of this movie nationwide and contribute to its success."

In light of the gravity of the theme, the movie is expected to play a significant role in shedding light on the hitherto subdued stories of atrocities committed during that dark phase. It seeks to be a catalyst in initiating dialogues and fostering a deeper understanding of the historical events that shaped the destiny of Hyderabad. Audience members can look forward to a gripping narrative enriched with stellar performances, hard-hitting realities, and soul-stirring music, which promises to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of Telugu cinema.

As we eagerly await the unveiling of this masterpiece in 2024, the teaser serves as a grim reminder and a precursor to the heart-wrenching journey that "Razakar" promises to undertake, stirring the collective conscience of the nation.

Operation Polo

The historical narrative takes us back to the tumultuous period following India's independence on 15th August 1947. The leader at the helm, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, found himself caught in a web of strategic choices, grappling with the significant decision of aligning his dominion with a larger union. Initially, he appeared to tread a middle ground, consenting to a 'standstill agreement'. This agreement stipulated that the Republic of India would manage Hyderabad's external affairs and defence, yet restrain from meddling in its internal matters.

However, in a covert maneuver that contradicted the essence of the agreement, the state of Hyderabad not only loaned an enormous amount of 15 million pounds to Pakistan but also fostered the formation of a semi-private military faction named the Razakars, thereby sowing seeds of discord and distrust in the newly independent Indian nation.

Suppression of Hindus

As we delve deeper, we uncover the grim realities that prevailed under the Nizam's reign, a period marred by blatant religious discrimination and gross inequalities. The Hindu community found themselves systematically marginalized, their representation in governmental roles and the state army notably scant. A stark reflection of this disparity is evident in the distribution of positions within the State Army - a whopping 1268 officers were Muslims, overshadowing the 421 Hindu officers and 121 officers from other religious backgrounds including Christians, Parsis, and Sikhs.

Furthermore, a glance at the monthly salary slabs between Rs. 600 and Rs. 1200 reveals a further skewed representation, with Muslims occupying 59 positions, starkly outnumbering the 5 Hindus and 38 officers of other faiths. In a startling revelation of the economic disparity, it was noted that the Nizam and his predominantly Muslim nobles possessed 40% of the total land in the state, a glaring testament to the wealth inequality that permeated the society.

As the Hindu populace in Hyderabad began to stir, awakening to the gross injustices and rallying for change, a palpable fear seized Nizam Khan. In a bid to quell the burgeoning unrest, he orchestrated the formation of a semi-private militia, the Razakars, aligning with the Majlis-e-Itihadul Muslimeen (MIM), known today as AIMIM. This force rapidly amassed a staggering strength of 1 lakh Jihadis, embarking on a reign of terror characterized by mass murders and abductions, particularly targeting the Hindu residents in urban Telangana.

Formation of Razakars

The formation of the Razakars marked a dark chapter in the history of Hyderabad. Initially conceived as the militarized wing of the MIM (now known as "AIMIM"), the Razakars had a single, grim purpose: to staunchly uphold the Islamic domination within Hyderabad's precincts. As the year 1948 unfolded, the Nizam became increasingly unsettled by the growing clamour among the Hindu populace advocating for Hyderabad's accession to India. Determined to nip this burgeoning sentiment in the bud, the Nizam issued ruthless orders to the Razakars, mandating a brutal suppression of the Hindu community.

At the helm of this nefarious force was Qasim Razvi, who led a ferocious campaign, marshaling a formidable cadre of 2 lakh Jihadis. Under his command, the Razakars unleashed a reign of terror, relentlessly raiding Hindu-majority villages in Telangana, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

In the unflinching narrative detailed in 'Marathwada Under the Nizams', historian P.V Kate captures the horrifying magnitude of the atrocities perpetrated during this period. He notes, "Some women became victims of rape and kidnapping by Razakars. Thousands went to jail and braved the cruelties perpetrated by the oppressive administration. Due to the activities of the Razakars, thousands of Hindus had to flee from the state and take shelter in various camps".

In the aftermath, over 150 villages in rural Telangana bore the brunt of this brutal campaign, witnessing Islamic savagery that knew no bounds. A staggering figure of more than 40,000 civilians sought refuge by fleeing to the Central Provinces of India, desperate to escape the clutches of the Razakars in Telangana. But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of resistance began to shine through, as these refugees rallied, vowing to fight back. Armed with a spirit of retaliation, they launched frequent raids, a fierce endeavor to reclaim their ancestral lands lying in the contested boundaries between the Central Provinces and Telangana.

Nehru and Patel

In the aftermath of the mass exodus witnessed during the Nizam's oppressive reign, India's pioneering Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, found himself caught in a conundrum. As word of the atrocities reached the corridors of power, Nehru grappled with the fear that a direct assault on the princely state could potentially spur retaliation from both flanks of the newly formed Pakistan. The decision to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian territory hung heavily in the balance, teetering between diplomacy and assertive action.

But it was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who emerged as the decisive force in this precarious situation. His firm stance and unyielding insistence gradually nudged Nehru towards the path of annexation. Finally, acquiescing to Patel's visionary foresight, Nehru authorized a full-scale military intervention, thereby orchestrating the storming of the state from all conceivable fronts.

The fateful day arrived on the 13th of September, 1948, marking the commencement of a historic military offensive dubbed 'Operation Polo'. Despite being outnumbered with a mere 35,000 soldiers at their disposal, the Indian Army displayed an awe-inspiring show of valor and strategy. In a fierce battle that spanned a mere five days, the Indian forces overpowered the Nizam's 2,20,000-strong army, marking a resounding victory with a minimal toll of 35 casualties, compared to the staggering 5,738 casualties suffered by the Hyderabad State.

Aftermath and Surrender of Nizam to India

In the wake of this decisive confrontation, the once mighty Nizam found himself grappling with a humiliating defeat. Left with no other recourse, he surrendered unconditionally to the Indian Home Minister, the very architect of this strategic conquest, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Relinquishing his power, the Nizam finally acceded Hyderabad to the Indian dominion, bringing an end to an era of tyranny and oppression.

The narrative doesn't end here. The aftermath saw Qasim Razvi, the orchestrator of numerous atrocities during his reign as the Razakar leader, incarcerated from 1948 to 1957. Seeking refuge, he later fled to Pakistan, where he sought asylum. Despite his departure, the legacy of the Razakars lingered, as Razvi handed over the reins of the MIM to Abdul Wahed Owaisi, entrusting him to continue leading what remained of the organization. Despite facing a temporary ban in 1948, the MIM resurfaced under a new identity, adopting the moniker AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Itihadul Muslimeen), a political entity that continues to contest elections in the contemporary political landscape.

As we draw the curtain on this grim chapter of history, we are left with a potent reminder of the resilience and unity that eventually triumphed over divisive forces. Through the combined efforts of visionary leaders and a determined military force, the nation witnessed the restoration of justice and the ushering in of a new era of hope and unity. It serves as a testimony to the indomitable spirit of a nation determined to forge a path of unity, leaving behind a legacy of division and despair.