‘Operation Polo’ created identity crisis

The erstwhile Hyderabad state had able administrators and men of great caliber in the Nizam’s government. People from different communities such as Marathi, Kannadigas and Parsees but post ‘Police Action’ many high ranking officials were demoted and some even lost their jobs.

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan’s idea of establishing an independent state backed by Kasim Razvi’s armed militia, the Razakars wrought havoc in the interiors. Narendra Luther, former bureaucrat and historian says, “Within four days the Indian Army could wrest control as the Razakars were no match to the superior Armed forces. But there was a lot of harassment of Hindus in the Maratwada region.”

Anuradha Reddy, aviation historian and convenor, INTACH, Hyderabad chapter says, “Looting, killing, terrorising people especially in Warangal and Osmanabad was reported. We were packed off to Bangalore as it was unsafe to stay here. The Indian Army came into Hyderabad state from different sides; from Naldurg near Sholapur, Vijayawada and from Gulbarga. Within a matter of 12 hours more than 50 km of Hyderabad was captured after launching Operation Polo.” She adds, “What the Police Action did was to make a dent in the social fabric. The common identity was disturbed. People from different communities who stayed and worked in harmony started feeling insecure.”

On September 17, the Nizam announced a ceasefire and on September 18, Hyderabad Army led by Major El Edroos, surrendered and thus came to an end of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty that had a glorious run of more than 200 years. Hyderabad was never to be the same anymore.