Former Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba Dies In Hyderabad Hospital

Hyderabad, October 12: G N Saibaba, a former Delhi University professor who endured 10 years in prison before being acquitted of alleged Maoist links earlier this year, died on Saturday. He was admitted to a state-run hospital, where he succumbed to complications from a gallbladder infection around 9 pm. Saibaba, in his 50s and 90% disabled, spent much of his incarceration in solitary confinement.

Saibaba’s family had repeatedly appealed for his release, citing his deteriorating health and life-threatening ailments. Although acquitted twice, his release came too late for him to enjoy even a year of freedom. Activist poet Meena Kandasamy expressed her sorrow, calling him a “brave revolutionary” and lamenting, “You are a living flame…your faith in the power of the working people will remain your indelible legacy.”

CPI (ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya praised Saibaba as “an indomitable champion in the battle for democracy, justice, and liberty,” while actor-activist Swara Bhaskar condemned the injustice, saying, “It’s criminal what the Indian State gets away with.”