Operation Polo was the code name of the Hyderabad "police action" in September 1948, by the then newly independent Dominion of India against Hyderabad State.It was a military operation in which the Indian Armed Forces invaded the Nizam-ruled princely state, annexing it into the Indian Union. At the time of Partition in 1947, the princely states of India, who in principle had self-government within their own territories, were subject to subsidiary alliances with the British, giving them control of their external relations. With the Indian Independence Act 1947, the British abandoned all such alliances, leaving the states with the option of opting for full independence.However, by 1948 almost all had acceded to either India or Pakistan. One major exception was that of the wealthiest and most powerful principality, Hyderabad, where the Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, a Muslim ruler who presided over a largely Hindu population, chose independence and hoped to maintain this with an irregular army.
The Nizam was also beset by the Telangana rebellion, which he was unable to subjugate.
In November 1947, Hyderabad signed a standstill agreement with the Dominion of India, continuing all previous arrangements except for the stationing of Indian troops in the state. Claiming that it feared the establishment of a Communist state in Hyderabad,India invaded the state in September of 1948, following a crippling economic blockade, and multiple attempts at destabilizing the state through railway disruptions, the bombing of government buildings, and raids on border villages.Subsequently, the Nizam signed an instrument of accession, joining India. The operation led to massive violence on communal lines, at times perpetrated by the Indian Army.
The Sunderlal Committee, appointed by Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, concluded that between 30,000-40,000 people had died in total in the state, in a report which was not released until 2013. Other responsible observers estimated the number of deaths to be 200,000 or higher.
SUNDAR LAL COMMITTEE REPORT:
The delegation consisiting of Pandit Sundar lal, kazi abdul gaffar and Maulana Abdulla misri arrived at Hyderabad on 29 nov 1948. During this period they have toured through 9 out of 16 districts of Hyderabad state, visiting 7 dist head quarters 21 towns and 23 important villages. Interviewed over 500 people from 109 such villages, that they have not visit,.
Further in public meetings at various places and 27 private gatherings of Hindus, Muslims, congressmen, Iteehadul Muslimeen members etc were addressed by the members of delegation. The main subject discussed was about maintaining peace and harmony between communities and appeals to forget past were made.
Hyderabad state has 16 districts comprising nearly 22,000 villages out of them 3 districts remained practically. In other four districts, the trouble had been more serious but nothing like the havoc that over took the remaining eight districts, Out of this the most effected districts were Osmanabad, Gulbarga, Bider and Nanded.
In these districts the number of people killed during and after the police action were nearly and more 18000. in other four districts i.e Aurangabad, Nalgonda and Medak those who lost their lives numbered at least 5000.
It is estimateed that 27000 to 40000 people have lost their lives during police action. It is significant fact that the four districts Osmanabad,Gulbarga,Bider and Nanded where the strong holds of the Razakars. In latur the hometown of kasim rizvi the killings continued for 20 days. the Muslim population of 10000 were reduced to 3000 after the killings. atleast 1000 were killed and rest leaved the place to save the lives.
Not only Murders, abduction of women, Rapes, kidnapping of children, looting of properties. taken place during action. According to the committee report the Military personal were also involved in riots and looting,and people from Hindu communal organization were also involved and led the riots in some Areas.
Reference : Pandit Sunder Lal committee Report.
