Ram Chatterjee
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ram Chatterjee (27 May 1922 – 1986) was an Indian politician. He won the Tarakeswar constituency seat in the 1967, 1969, 1971, 1977 and 1982 elections.[1]
Born on 27 May 1922 in Chinsurah, Chatterjee grew up amidst poverty.[2] His father died during his school years, and he had to leave school before finishing Class VII.[2] During a long period Chatterjee was unemployed.[2] He lived in Chinsurah and Chandannagar.[2] As of 1949 he was leading a gang of goondas in Chandannagar, running extortion and protection rackets.[3] Chatterjee was unofficially protected by the Council of Administration of Chandannagar, a fact that allowed him to continue his operations.[3]
1950 riots
Chatterjee was hired at the Eastern Railways.[2] He was involved in the 1950 communal riots, and during the riots he started a grouping called 'Bhabani Dal' in Chandannagar.[2] These were the largest incidents of communal violence in Chandannagar.[3] Chatterjee was arrested on March 31, 1950, under the Preventive Detention Act. He was released after three weeks of custody.[2] On September 1, 1951, he was again arrested under the Preventive Detention Act.[2] He remained in detention until July 28, 1952.[2]
In Forward Bloc
Upon his release Chatterjee joined the Forward Bloc (Marxist Group).[2] He was arrested in January 1953, and was released on June 22, 1953.[2] Chatterjee belonged to the group of FB(MG) leaders that were expelled from the party after having supported the Communist Party of India candidate in the 1953 Calcutta South East by-election.[4] Along with the other expellees, he formed the Marxist Forward Bloc in April the following year.[4]
Chatterjee took part in the 1958 food movement.[2] He was arrested on September 15, 1958, and was detained for a week.[2]