Former Mohun Bagan President Swapan Sadhan Bose, affectionately known as ‘Tutu Babu’ in Kolkata’s Maidan football circles, passed away following a cardiac arrest at the age of 79.
Bose is survived by his sons, Srinjay and Soumik, with Srinjay currently serving as the secretary of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. One of the most prominent administrators in Indian football, Bose had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata for multiple health issues. According to family sources, he breathed his last around 11:45 pm on Tuesday.
His mortal remains will be placed at the Mohun Bagan club tent on Wednesday, allowing fans and members of the sporting community to pay their final respects. His cremation is scheduled for 4:30 pm later in the day.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Tutu Bose. He was the best father and grandfather one could ever have, a remarkable administrator, and the strongest pillar of support for everyone around him. A true banyan tree in our lives,” his grandson Arinjoy Bose wrote in a Facebook post.
Bose was instrumental in shaping Mohun Bagan’s modern identity. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he served the club in several key roles, including secretary and president, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures associated with the green-and-maroon brigade.
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During his tenure, the club navigated major financial and administrative hurdles while embracing significant changes, such as the introduction of foreign footballers and the beginning of its corporate partnership phase.
One of the landmark decisions under his leadership was the signing of Nigerian striker Chima Okorie, who later emerged as one of the most celebrated foreign players in Indian football. Okorie was brought in from arch-rivals East Bengal FC after Bose ended the club’s century-old policy of fielding only Indian players.
Bose rose to prominence at Mohun Bagan after defeating veteran administrator Dhiren De in club elections. He also played a pivotal role in Mohun Bagan’s merger with ATK—formerly Atletico de Kolkata—in 2020, marking the beginning of a new era in the club’s history.
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