Minute by His Excellency the Viceroy [‎23v] (4/10)

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11. In deciding upon the course to be adopted, the Govern men t^f India
could not overlook the character and antecedents of Mulhar Eao. He had been
accused of having been engaged in a conspiracy to murder his brother Khundee
Rao, Gaekwar in 1863, and had in consequence been kept in seclusion during
the life time of his brother. After Mulhar Hao's accession to the Sovereignty
of Baroda, Bhow Sindia the Minister of the late Gaekwar had died in prison
under suspicious circumstances, and was generally supposed to have been poisoned.
Ihe Government of India had expressed to Mulhar Rao their regret that,
in consequence of his having omitted to follow the advice given by the
Assistant Resident, the only satisfactory means of clearing up the doubts
which rested on the death of Bhow Sindia had been neglected. Moreover, the
whole tenor of the report of Sir Richard Meade's Commission was highly
unfavorable to Mulhar Rao's personal character.
12. Having regard to these circumstances and to the strong prima facie
case against Mulhar Rao, it appeared that there was no probability of a fair
enquiry being made into the attempt to poison Colonel Phayre so long as
Mulhar Rao remained in the position of Ruler of Baroda, and that it would
have been improper for the Government of India to continue friendly
communications with him pending the investigation. It was, therefore, deter
mined to suspend Mulhar Rao from power, and to assume, on behalf of the
Queen, the administration of the State of Baroda pending the result of
the enquiry. This action was not based on considerations of law. It was an
act of State, carried out by the Paramount Power. Troops were sent to
Baroda. Mulhar Rao was arrested; and the administration of the State
was assumed with promptness and without disturbance by Sir Lewis Pelly.
13. The Government of India had next to determine what form the en
quiry should take. Notwithstanding the objections to which a public enquiry
was open, it was decided that a public enquiry was more advisable than one con
ducted in private, which might have given occasion for suspicion. The composi
tion of the Commission was next considered. In order that it should be so con
stituted as to command complete confidence, the services of Sir Richard Couch,
the Chief Justice of Bengal, and the highest judicial authority in India, were se
cured as President. Sir Richard Meade, whose character has been already describ
ed, and Mr. Philip Melvill, an Officer who had been Judicial Commissioner of the
Central Provinces, and acted as a Judge of the Chief Court at Lahore, who
had no connection whatever with Baroda affairs, and whose character for
independence and ability is well known, were appointed to be Commissioners.
The Government of India considered that it was desirable to obtain the assist
ance of Natives of India of high rank and position as Members of the Com
mission. Raja King Sir Dinkur Rao was summoned to Calcutta, and consented to
serve. I requested Maharaja Scindia, Maharaja Holkar, and the Maharaja of
Jeypore to join the Commission. Maharaja Holkar, while expressing his
complete concurrence in the course which had been taken, excused himself
from serving, but the other two Princes consented to serve.
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