Nation / Sat, 20 Jun 2026 News18

The Real-Life 'Dhurandhar': Meet INA's First Female Spy Whose Breasts Were Cut Off In Prison, Yet She Never Betrayed India

Remembered as India's first woman spy, she endured unimaginable torture yet never betrayed her country or the freedom movement she believed in. While they shared a home, their loyalties differed sharply, creating tension as India's independence movement intensified. She was repeatedly pressured to reveal information about Netaji and the freedom movement. When she refused, the torture intensified. According to historical accounts, her breasts were cut off in prison, yet she still refused to betray her country or disclose any secrets.

Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 14:33 IST

1 / 7 Long before modern spy thrillers, there was Neera Arya. Remembered as India's first woman spy, she endured unimaginable torture yet never betrayed her country or the freedom movement she believed in. (Image-AI)

2 / 7 Born on March 5, 1902, in present-day Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district, Neera came from a prosperous family. Despite a comfortable upbringing, she chose to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's freedom struggle. (Image-Bharat Mata Mandir)

3 / 7 Neera was married to Shrikant Jai Ranjan Das, a CID inspector serving the British administration. While they shared a home, their loyalties differed sharply, creating tension as India's independence movement intensified. (Image-Reddit/@r/incredibleIndians)

4 / 7 As a member of the Indian National Army, Neera reportedly disguised herself as a boy to gather intelligence. Alongside fellow operative Saraswati Rajamani, she monitored British camps and passed information to Netaji. (Image-Reddit/@r/TwoXIndia)

5 / 7 According to historical accounts, Shrikant followed Neera to a secret meeting involving Netaji. When gunfire erupted and Bose's driver was fatally shot, Neera allegedly killed her husband to prevent an attack on the leader. (Image-Reddit/@r/incredibleIndians)

6 / 7 The British arrested Neera and imprisoned her. She was repeatedly pressured to reveal information about Netaji and the freedom movement. When she refused, the torture intensified. According to historical accounts, her breasts were cut off in prison, yet she still refused to betray her country or disclose any secrets. (Image-X/@MayankRighteous)