GN Saibaba, Former DU Professor Acquitted In Maoist Link Case, Passes Away In Hyderabad

Former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba passed away at a government hospital due to complications following surgery.

He was 54 years old. Saibaba had been suffering from a gall bladder infection and underwent surgery two weeks prior but faced subsequent complications.

An official reported that he died around 9 pm on Saturday. He had been receiving treatment at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences for the past 20 days.

In March, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted Saibaba and five others in a case alleging Maoist links, citing insufficient evidence from the prosecution.

The court also nullified his life sentence and declared the sanction under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) void. Following this, Saibaba, who used a wheelchair, was released from Nagpur Central Jail after spending 10 years there.

Allegations and Arrest

Saibaba claimed in August that authorities did not take him to a hospital for nine months despite paralysis on his left side, providing only painkillers while he was in Nagpur Central Jail since his 2014 arrest.

The former English professor alleged he was kidnapped and arrested by police to silence him. He stated that authorities warned him of arrest on false charges if he continued speaking out.

Saibaba, originally from Andhra Pradesh, alleged that Maharashtra Police officers threatened him and his family at his home before arresting him. He claimed they dragged him from his wheelchair during the arrest, causing a hand injury that affected his nervous system. CPI MLA K Sambasiva Rao expressed condolences over Saibaba's death, describing it as a societal loss.

Saibaba's legal troubles began with accusations of Maoist connections, leading to his arrest in 2014. Despite these allegations, he maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. His acquittal earlier this year marked a significant turn in his legal battle, allowing him to return home after a decade in prison.

The case against Saibaba highlighted issues related to the use of UAPA provisions and their implications on civil liberties. His death has sparked discussions about the treatment of prisoners and the conditions within Indian jails. These conversations continue as society reflects on Saibaba's life and legacy.

Saibaba's passing has prompted reactions from various quarters, with many remembering him for his academic contributions and activism. His journey through the legal system remains a topic of debate among human rights advocates and legal experts alike.