Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, a name that cannot be forgotten by an Indian. Also, the name coincides with today’s date, 18th August. Both the name and date are an unsolved mystery for historians all around the world. But do you know why this date is associated with the INA founder, the great Subash Chandra Bose? Netaji was known for founding Indian National Army (INA) and also a former president of Indian Congress.
However, due to the ethical difference between the ideology and working with Mahatma Gandhi, he resigned from the Presidentship of Congress party and form INA. Coming back to 18th August, it is the official date of death or possible missing of Subash Chandra Bose.

What happened according to the official statements
After the surrender of Japan on August15, 1945, after the second world war, Netaji feels the requirement to relocate. On 18th August 1945, Bose flew with INA commander Rahman to Taihoky, Formosa ( now in Taiwan). Actually Taihoku is not the destination, its just a stoppage point for his next destination, Japan. During the stoppage the team had lunch and then once again flew from Taihoku. However, a conflict on the departure time is mentioned in some records. As some feel it departs at 2 PM and some believe that it departs at 2:30.
Just after departure, the passengers heard a loud sound that resembles the backfiring of the engine. This results in the crashing of the plane and results in an explosion. This results in the death of General Shidea, pilot, and co-pilot instantly. However, the INA commander Rahman escapes the accident. But as he passed out, he saw Bose completely soaked in gasoline and wounded. With the help of authorities, he manages to get Netaji out of the plane. But as per reports, Subash Chandra Bose was deeply wound and experience a third-degree burn. The surgeon in charge, Dr. Taneyoshi Yoshimi declared him dead.
Mystical Theories associated with the death
However, there are many counterparts of the official death theory of Netaji. Many still believe that it was not 18th August 1945, the day on which Bose died. Some theories say that he intensionally scripted his death story for some reason. He may be escaped to some other places due to security reasons. Maybe Japan, Germany, or USSR (the current day, Russia).
Although the most popular theory was that Subash Chandra Bose went to Manchuria, that was under the rule of the USSR at that time. As he wants to get help from USSR against the Britain government. He then met USSR former president Stalin to seek aid against Britain. Britain cannot directly comes in front of the USSR. It is said that he was in USSR till his date.
However many believe that Stalin after some years killed Netaji. However, these all are theories, as the files related to Netaji is still confidential after 74 years-long journeys of Independent India. Government changes, authorities change but there are still 2 files which are in public domain out of 41 files related to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.
Although, on the official death anniversary of Netaji we pay tribute to this great hero of Indian Independence.
By:-
Prakhar Sharma
Founder, Upgrading India