A newly appointed police rookie deals with corruption, romance, and brutality.

In the early years of the 20th century, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence. Faced with armed resistance from the British government, Gandhi adopts a policy of 'passive resistance', endeavouring to win freedom for his people without resorting to bloodshed.

Due to a plague epidemic in Pune, the British Government deputes C.W. Rand as Chairman of the Special Plague Committee, empowering him to do whatever is necessary to control the menace. Rand's heavy handed measures deeply offend local sensibilities, driving a group of angry youngsters to assassinate him and Lt. Charles Ayerst- the first outbreak of revolutionary activities in British India.