Ghosal Bari attained historical significance during the Indian freedom movement. It was the residence of Bhola Nath Ghosal and his siblings, who hailed from the Zamindar family of Ariadaha. Among the Ghosal Bari's residents, Bhabadeb Ghosal, Bimalacharan Ghosal, Ananta Deb Ghosal and Joydeb Ghosal actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, with Bhabadeb emerging as the most prominent figure. He joined the 'Atmonnati Samity' and engaged in armed revolutionary activities. Bipin Behari Ganguly, Khagendra Nath Chattopadhyay and Parbati Charan Mukhopadhyay frequently visited their home to discuss future plans. Kazi Nazrul Islam visited their home on multiple occasions as well.
Following the robbery of Rodda Weapons on 26 August 1914, Bipin Behari Ganguly and Srish Paul sought refuge in Ghosal Bari for a period. They concealed the cartridges within the rafters of the house. To finance their revolutionary endeavours, they carried out a robbery in Agarpara on 2 August 1915. However, Bipin Behari was later apprehended by the police, with Murari Mitra serving as the informer. At the time of his arrest, Bipin Behari was residing at Parbati Charan Mukherjee's house and was subsequently taken to Belgharia Phari.
In response, Khagendranath Chattopadhyay, Bhabadeb Ghosal, Srish Paul, and others planned to launch an attack on Belgharia Phari to rescue Bipin Behari. However, before they could execute their plan, the police transferred Bipin Behari to Barrackpore jail. They attempted to assault Murari Mitra's residence but were met with police protection. A gunfire exchange ensued, but they failed to eliminate Murari Mitra.
Khagendra Nath and fellow revolutionaries convened at Ghosal Bari repeatedly to strategize the murder of Murari Mitra. Eventually, on 25 August 1915, they succeeded in assassinating Murari Mitra, with Srish Paul collaborating with Khagendra Nath Chattopadhyay and Bhabadeb Ghosal in the act. Bhabadeb was subsequently arrested by the police on 10 March 1916 and sentenced to Maheshkhali jail in Chattagram. After India gained independence, Ghosal Bari continued to play a significant role in Indian politics.
Source: Sudipta Sadhu, Contributor for CCRT