Jubba Sahni (1906–1944) emerged from a humble Mallah family in Chainpur Basti, near Minapur in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. Born into poverty, Sahni witnessed the daily oppression of peasants by colonial overseers—fueling his passion for India’s freedom struggle.
He first joined the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, participating in protests and picketing efforts. Arrested multiple times—in 1932, 1934, and 1942—Sahni remained undeterred in his pursuit of liberty. During his activism in Muzaffarpur, he was wounded by police when protesting liquor shops, breaking three ribs in the confrontation.
On 16 August 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Jubba Sahni led a daring armed revolt at Minapur police station. In response to the brutal arrest of local laborers by the in-charge, L.Waller, Sahni and his followers stormed the station. They set it ablaze, and Waller was killed in the uprising. Sahni bravely claimed full responsibility, ensuring the release and acquittal of dozens of arrested compatriots.
The British authorities responded swiftly. Sahni was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by hanging at Bhagalpur Central Jail, on 11 March 1944—he was only 38. His martyrdom galvanized Bihar’s youth and earned him a revered place in the annals of India’s revolutionary history.
In recognition of his sacrifice, Bhagalpur Jail was later renamed as Shaheed Jubba Sahni Central Jail in 2009. Additionally, a park and railway station in Muzaffarpur bear his name in tribute. A life-size statue was unveiled in Patna’s newly developed park in March 2023.
Today, every year on 11 March, Jubba Sahni’s martyrdom day is observed through ceremonies in Bihar, honoring his courage and selflessness that cost him his life to save many fellow revolutionaries.
Trivia About Jubba Sahni
- Born in 1906 in Chainpur Basti, Minapur, Muzaffarpur district
- First arrested during the Salt Satyagraha (1930)
- Wounded by police during a protest in 1932—broken ribs
- Led the armed revolt against Minapur police station in-charge L.Waller on 16 August 1942
- Set fire to the police station as an act of protest
- Accepted full blame—even when others were acquitted.
- Arrested and tried by a special British court
- Executed by hanging on 11 March 1944 at Bhagalpur Jail.
- Bhagalpur Central Jail was renamed Shaheed Jubba Sahni Central Jail in 2009.
- Muzaffarpur has a Jubba Sahni Park and railway station named after him
- His martyrdom is commemorated annually on 11 March
- Bihar CM inaugurated a life-size statue in Patna in March 2023.
- Recognized as one of Bihar’s foremost revolutionary martyrs
- Featured on a ₹3 postage stamp issued in January 2001.