Neera Arya (March 5 1902 – July 26 1998) is recognised as the first woman spy of the Indian National Army (INA), led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Often dubbed the ‘Veerangana’ (brave woman), her story is one of unyielding patriotism, incredible personal sacrifice, and, tragically, being forgotten by many after Independence.
Early Life
Born in Khekra Nagar, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, Neera was raised in an affluent Arya Samaj family. She and her brother received formal education in Kolkata, where her nationalist sentiments deepened. Inspired by the Indian freedom movement, she eventually joined Netaji Bose’s Rani Jhansi Regiment of the INA in 1942.
Neera’s marriage was arranged with Shrikant Jai Ranjan Das, a British Army officer and CID inspector. As the couple’s political loyalties diverged, Shrikant discovered Neera’s association with Netaji’s army. He trailed her to a clandestine meeting with Bose and fired at him, tragically killing Bose’s driver. Neera then made a gut-wrenching choice: she killed her husband to protect her country and its leader.
INA’s First Female Spy
Impressed by her bravery and loyalty, Netaji appointed Neera as the INA’s first female spy. Alongside fellow operatives like Saraswati Rajamani, she conducted covert operations disguised as men, gathering intelligence from British officers’ homes and military camps. She also played a vital role in smuggling weapons and supplies.
In 1943, the British arrested Neera and sentenced her to imprisonment in the infamous Cellular Jail, Andaman. Despite enticements that offered release in exchange for information on Netaji, she refused to betray his trust. Even harsh treatment, including the brutal mutilation of her breasts, didn’t sway her. She even spat at a guard, demonstrating the depth of her defiance.
Post-Independence: Life & Legacy
Released after India’s independence, Neera lived the rest of her life in Hyderabad, where she toiled silently. Reports say she sold flowers near the Charminar to make ends meet. Neera passed away on July 26 1998, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in anonymity. Memorial initiatives - like a street in Kerala, the ’Neera Arya Award‘, and a memorial at her native Arya Mandir in Khekra - aim to honour her sacrifice.
Neera Arya’s life is a powerful testament to the sacrifices made behind the scenes of India’s freedom struggle. Her unwavering courage - killing her husband to save Netaji, enduring torture without revealing secrets, and risking her life as a spy - marks her as a forgotten icon of woman power and nationalism. An upcoming biopic presents a long-awaited opportunity to give her story its rightful place in history.
