Tragic Loss: Former DU Professor G N Saibaba Passes Away at 57 After Decade-Long Legal Battle
Former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba, known for his work in human rights and his controversial arrest over alleged Maoist links, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 57. Following complications from gallbladder surgery, Saibaba, who had been wheelchair-bound due to polio, died after suffering a heart attack at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad. He was admitted 10 days prior due to severe health issues.
Earlier this year, Saibaba had been acquitted by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court of charges related to affiliations with banned Maoist groups, having spent nearly a decade in prison. After his release in March, Saibaba was engaged in legal battles to reclaim his teaching position at Delhi University, and was determined to resume his advocacy for human rights.
Deepak Kumar, a family friend and member of the Defense Committee that campaigned for Saibaba’s release, described his last interaction with the professor as hopeful, yet noted Saibaba’s health began to deteriorate shortly after. Nandita Narain, another close friend and former colleague, expressed sorrow over the loss of such a brilliant individual, emphasizing the importance of preserving his legacy.
Saibaba was arrested in 2014, alongside others, by Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli police on accusations of being involved with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and the Revolutionary Democratic Front. He was implicated in facilitating meetings between alleged members of these organizations. However, the high court acquitted him and his co-accused, citing lack of evidence.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Saibaba lamented the years lost, noting the profound impact of his incarceration amidst severe health challenges. Despite being cleared of all charges, his quest to regain normalcy was cut short, leaving behind a legacy marked by resilience and a commitment to human rights.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/india/former-delhi-university-professor-g-n-saibaba-passes-away-9617330/
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