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On 24 July 1943, continuous rain-soaked Ganesh Fort, also known as Sangli Jail, where a group of revolutionaries awaited their verdict, much to the jailer's dismay. The imprisoned revolutionaries included Hindurao Patil, Ganpatrao Koli, Jairam Kushte, Jinpal Khot, Satling Shete, Mahadevrao Butale, Vasant Sawant, Maruti Agalave, Annasaheb Patravale, Baburao Jadhav, Vitthal Shinde, Jairam Belwalkar, Dattatraya Patil, Namdev Karadkar, Krishna Pendse, Baburao Pachore and Tatya Sonikar. The jail was guarded by armed police, with special surveillance on Vasantrao Patil.

During their allotted times for defecation, a conspiracy brewed. Vasantrao Patil, along with Annasaheb Patravale and Baburao Jadhav, took advantage of their minor status to plan an escape. On that fateful day, at 2:30 pm, Vasantrao seized a guard's gun, freeing his comrades. They rushed to the main station for weapons.

As they made their escape, Annasaheb Patravale signalled others with a white handkerchief. Despite police attempts to stop them, the revolutionaries managed to overpower them. They chanted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as they fled.

A chase ensued with 125 policemen, horsemen, and two army vehicles trailing them. To divert attention, Vasantrao, Jairam Kushte and Ganpatrao Koli engaged the police while others attempted to cross a river. Tragically, Annasaheb and Baburao were shot and killed during the escape. Jinpal Khot and some others made it across, but those hiding in a guava grove were captured.

In the chaos, Vasantrao was shot in the shoulder, rendering him unconscious. He was arrested, along with most of the other revolutionaries. A Martyr's Memorial in Sangli commemorates their sacrifice.

Source : Vijay Balasaheb Pawbake, Contributor for CCRT.