Independence Day: How Chicago Radio Became the Voice of India’s Freedom

The Congress Radio case, as it was called, remains “an important chapter in the history of India’s freedom struggle,” according to Usha Thakkar, who wrote a book about it. Naniko Motwane was detained for allegedly helping the station with equipment and technical assistance. Interestingly, Chicago radio was not on the police radar “despite its proximity to the freedom movement.” British officials often went to Naniko Motwane to buy police wireless equipment and their books seemed to be in order. Motwane told the police that he was not a member of Congress. No evidence was found and he was released. “He was in prison for a month and was tortured,” says Kieran Motwane. “It is true that he was helping the underground police station.”