New Delhi, 25.08.2021: In series of events to celebrate the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in 75th year of Independence, CISF organised a cycle rally from Raja Nahar Singh Metro Station, Ballabhgarh to Najafgarh Metro station in remembrance of martyrs of Battle of Najafgarh during the first war of Independence in 1857.
The cycle rally team consisting of 62 male and 13 female cyclists of CISF led by Jitender Rana, IPS, DIG/DMRC and other senior officers of CISF Unit DMRC Delhi covered a distance of 61 km in over three hours. The cycling team traversed the historical sites of Ballabhgarh, Tughlakabad, Siri Fort, Mehrauli, Palam and Najafgarh.
The cycling team was flagged in at Najafgarh stadium and welcomed by ADM South-west Rakesh Dahiya, Ex-Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Zone Chairman Satpal Malik and residents of Najafgarh. Many jubilant children ran along with Tricolour shouting patriotic slogans, while girls of ‘Sweet Home’ care home showered flower petals as cyclists entered the gates of the stadium.
It is of note here that apart from being the southernmost and westernmost stations of Delhi Metro both Ballabhgarh and Najafgarh were part of riyasat of Raja Nahar Singh of Ballabhgarh. He spearheaded the struggle against British rule around Delhi during the first war of Independence, and was sentenced to death by British and attained martyrdom.
The battle of Najafgarh was fought on 25th August, 1857 between the British forces led by Nicholson and combined forces of sepoys of Bareilly and Neemuch Brigade. This was the most significant stand of mutineer sepoys against the British during the siege of Delhi.
While addressing the gathering at Najafgarh, Shri Jitender Rana, DIG/DMRC said that “This cyclothon has been organised to pay our respects to great martyr Raja Nahar Singh and countless number of sepoys who fought and attained martyrdom at the battle of Najafgarh during our first war of Independence in 1857”.
