Activist Harsh Mander Declares G N Saibaba a Hero Following His Death and Allegations of Institutional Murder

G N Saibaba, who passed away on October 12 at a state-run hospital in Hyderabad, was remembered as a patriot and hero by activist Harsh Mander. Saibaba died from post-operative complications seven months after being acquitted of charges linking him to Maoist activities. Mander, speaking at a memorial organised by the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD), described Saibaba as a beloved professor and a person deeply concerned with justice.

Institutional Neglect and Health Deterioration

Mander and other activists claimed that Saibaba's death was due to institutional neglect, as his health worsened in jail. They argued that poor prison conditions contributed significantly to his declining health. Mander, a former Indian Administrative Service officer, highlighted that Saibaba spent ten years in jail, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being acquitted, the damage to his health was irreversible.

Saibaba's ordeal began with accusations of Maoist links, despite no evidence of violent activity. Mander stated, "We are living in times when people like Saibaba should be seen as heroes and role models for their courage.... Instead, the establishment is so afraid that it puts him behind prison walls." A video from an earlier press conference showed Saibaba stating he had no ailments before his imprisonment except for polio.

Health Challenges and Legal Battles

Retired Delhi University professor Nandita Narain recounted Saibaba's arrest experience, describing how he was treated roughly by police. She noted that he was sentenced to ten years but received medical bail briefly through Supreme Court intervention. During this time, doctors diagnosed him with gallbladder stones and pancreatitis, requiring surgery initially planned for 2017 but only performed in 2024.

Narain expressed her belief that Saibaba's death was an institutional murder due to delayed medical care. Vikas Gupta, a visually-impaired history professor at DU, criticised the lack of support for Saibaba during his harassment. He pointed out that neither the university nor the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) offered assistance.

Legal Acquittal and Continuing Struggles

In March, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted Saibaba and five others in the Maoist-links case. The court found insufficient evidence to support the allegations against him and overturned his life sentence. Despite this legal victory, Saibaba's health had already deteriorated significantly.

Gupta emphasised that both DU and CCPD failed to protect one of their brightest teachers. He argued that these institutions' lack of action contributed to what he termed an institutional murder. The CCPD's lack of autonomy from the government limited its ability to intervene effectively on behalf of differently-abled individuals like Saibaba.

Saibaba's story highlights significant issues within India's justice system and institutional support structures. His death has sparked discussions about how vulnerable individuals are treated within these systems. The memorial service served as a reminder of the need for reform and greater accountability in protecting human rights and ensuring justice for all citizens.