Raut Baji

Raut Baji

Raut was born in 1926 at village, Nikanthepur Dhenkanal in Odisha. Son of Shri Hari Rauf Baji was a boat man and volunteer of the Praja Mandal in the Dhenkanal State. He undertook the task of keeping vigil on the movement of the state police and troops at the Nikanthapur Ghat on the Brahmini river during the reign of terror let loose against the people by the State authorities in 1938. On the night of october 10, 1938, a number of policemen and soldiers tried to force him to take them across the river in his boat. The twelve-year old boy refused to do so and told them that they were enemies of the people.

A Soldier struck him on his head with the butt of his gun and his skull was fractured. Despite his serious injuries, re raised an alarm and warned the villagers about the arrival of the soldiers and policemen.

He died the same night due to excessive loss of blood A mob of villagers collected at the ghat and tried to prevent the soldiers from crossing the river. Several villagers were killed in firing by the troops.

The bravery and patriotism of young Baji Raut. has been immortalized in the poem ' Boatman' by the famous Oriya poet, Sachi Routray.