On Saturday, former Assistant Professor G N Saibaba passed away at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad after undergoing treatment for post-operative complications. Saibaba, who hailed from Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, was a teacher at Delhi University but was terminated in 2014. He was arrested for alleged Maoist links and was granted bail in 2016, only to receive a life sentence under the UAPA in 2017. However, in a turn of events, he was acquitted in 2022 and again in 2024.
The Life and Struggle of GN Saibaba
GN Saibaba, a former Assistant Professor at Delhi University, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the age of 55. He was known for his activism and alleged links to the Maoist movement.
Background
Saibaba was born in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, on September 11, 1968. He completed his Master's degree in English from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and later received a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. In 2000, he joined Delhi University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English.
Arrest and Legal Battles
In 2014, Saibaba was arrested for alleged Maoist links and was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He was accused of being a member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).
Saibaba, who was wheelchair-bound due to a spinal cord injury, denied the charges. He claimed that he was targeted for his activism and work with marginalized communities. In 2016, he was granted bail on medical grounds.
However, in 2017, he was convicted by a Sessions Court in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He filed an appeal against the conviction, which was rejected by the Bombay High Court in 2020.
In March 2022, the Supreme Court acquitted Saibaba in the Maoist links case. The Court held that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges against him. However, the government filed a review petition against the acquittal, which was later dismissed by the Supreme Court in 2024.
Activism and Legacy
Saibaba was a vocal critic of the Indian government's policies towards marginalized communities and alleged human rights violations. He supported the rights of Dalits, Adivasis, and other oppressed groups.
Despite his physical challenges, Saibaba continued to write and speak out against injustice. His writings and activism inspired many people and made him a symbol of resistance.
FAQs
1. What was GN Saibaba accused of? He was accused of being a member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and engaging in activities to support the movement.
2. Why was he acquitted in 2022? The Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges against him.
3. Did the government challenge the acquittal? Yes, the government filed a review petition against the acquittal, but it was dismissed by the Supreme Court in 2024.
4. What was Saibaba's disability? He was wheelchair-bound due to a spinal cord injury suffered during his childhood.
5. What was Saibaba's legacy? He was known for his activism, support for marginalized communities, and his unwavering commitment to justice. He became a symbol of resistance and inspiration for many people.
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