Neera Arya was popularly known as the first woman spy of the Azad Hind Fauj. She was born on 5 March 1902 in Khekra Nagar in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. Her father Seth Chhajjumal, a businessman, assured that his children attain their education in Kolkata. From a young age, Neera was interested in the cause of national freedom struggle and joined the Rani Jhansi Regiment of the Azad Hind Fauj.
Neera’s father soon set up a suitable match in British Army Officer, Srikant Jai Ranjan Das who, at the time was posted as CID Inspector in India. Their conflicts began as they participated in different testaments and had affiliation to different parties. When Srikant got to know about Neera’s involvement in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s army, he began questioning her in an attempt to get to know the whereabouts of the leader. When Neera had gone to meet Bose, Srikant followed her and opened fire, in the process firing at Bose’s motorist. Neera, who somehow knew what was going to be next - killed Srikant by pecking him, thereby, saving Bose. For this act, Neera was doomed to imprisonment in the Andaman and Nicobar Jail by the British colonial government. But her nationalism did not end there.
Neera was lured that if she disclosed information about the leaders, especially Netaji, she would be granted bail. Neera had the guts and refused to give details about the leaders of the freedom struggle. Despite all odds, Neera remained pious to the nation and went on to become the first woman asset of the Azad Hind Fauj, a title and responsibility that was conferred upon her by Bose himself.
Neera Arya breathed her last on 26 July 1998 at Osmania Hospital near Charminar, Hyderabad.