Story perspectives

R&AW Chief R.N. Kao Warned Mujib Before Assassination

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 4:42 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kao Sabotages 1971 War

R&AW chief Rameshwar Nath Kao compromised General Yahya Khan’s communications during the 1971 war.
R&AW recruited a retired officer who warned of Pakistan’s planned air attack on December 3, 1971.
Kao warned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman incognito of a conspiracy before the August 1975 assassination, which he ignored.
In 1977, R&AW chief N F Suntook asked Kao to get Homi Sethna to advise Morarji Desai against the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Summary

Johar Announces Spy Biopic

Karan Johar announced a film about R&AW founder R.N. Kao, reviving a project first unveiled in 2020.
The announcement was made on September 21, 2026, the 58th anniversary of R&AW’s establishment.
The story is based on Nitin Gokhale’s biography “R.N. Kao: Gentleman Spymaster.”
The film will portray Kao’s 1955-1971 career and his 1971 war mission.
Release is scheduled for August 11, 2028, coinciding with India’s Independence Day weekend.

History

Historical Context

On 3 December 1971 Pakistan launched Operation Chengiz Khan, a pre-emptive air strike that triggered India’s full-scale entry into the Bangladesh Liberation War, a conflict shaped by RAW’s support for the Mukti Bini and intelligence on Pakistani plans. The war ended with Pakistan’s surrender on 16 December 1971. On the 58-year anniversary of RAW’s 1968 founding, filmmaker Karan Johar announced a 2028 biopic of RAW chief R.N. Kao.

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Kao Sabotages 1971 War

R&AW chief Rameshwar Nath Kao compromised General Yahya Khan’s communications during the 1971 war.
R&AW recruited a retired officer who warned of Pakistan’s planned air attack on December 3, 1971.
Kao warned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman incognito of a conspiracy before the August 1975 assassination, which he ignored.
In 1977, R&AW chief N F Suntook asked Kao to get Homi Sethna to advise Morarji Desai against the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

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