Professor G.N. Saibaba: A Life of Resilience Cut Short by Tragedy

Hyderabad- Former Delhi University professor G.N. Saibaba, who had spent a decade in prison over allegations of Maoist links before being acquitted earlier this year, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, following complications from surgery.

The 57-year-old, who had been wheelchair-bound due to a physical disability, had undergone surgery for gallbladder stones at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. His condition worsened post-surgery, and he suffered a heart attack, leading to his death.

Born with severe physical disabilities, Saibaba became a respected English professor at Delhi University. Despite his physical challenges, he led an active academic life, becoming known for his eloquence and advocacy for human rights. His life took a dramatic turn in 2014 when Maharashtra police arrested him, alleging his involvement with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and its frontal group, the Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF). Saibaba was accused of organizing meetings between Maoist leaders and other individuals, including JNU student Hem Mishra and journalist Prashant Rahi.

In 2017, a Maharashtra court convicted Saibaba and sentenced him to life imprisonment, along with several others. His arrest and imprisonment sparked widespread controversy, with his supporters claiming that his human rights activism had been misrepresented as subversive activity. Saibaba, despite his confinement, continued to fight for his innocence.

In March 2024, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted Saibaba, stating that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence against him. He was released from Nagpur Central Jail shortly after, marking a significant victory for his defense committee, family, and supporters who had tirelessly campaigned for his freedom.

Saibaba made serious accusations against the police

In August 2024, he alleged that despite being paralyzed on the left side of his body, authorities failed to take him to the hospital for nine months. While imprisoned in Nagpur Central Jail, Saibaba claimed he was only given painkillers to manage his condition. He had been in custody since his arrest in 2014 on charges related to alleged Maoist connections.

The former English professor further claimed that he was kidnapped by the Maharashtra police in an attempt to silence him, and then wrongfully arrested. Following his arrest, senior officers from the police accompanied him to his home, where they reportedly intimidated his family. He also alleged that he was forcibly dragged from his wheelchair, which caused severe injury to his arm, affecting his nervous system.

Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Saibaba accused the investigating officers of threatening him with false charges if he did not stop speaking out.

Saibaba’s final days were marked by health complications. His close friend and family supporter, Deepak Kumar, recalled how he had been in extreme pain due to gallbladder issues prior to being admitted to NIMS in Hyderabad. Despite a successful surgery, his health began to decline in early October 2024, and he succumbed to a heart attack.

Saibaba was known not just for his academic work, but also for his steadfast belief in justice and human rights. His death came as a shock to his supporters, who had hoped that after his acquittal, he would return to his work in academia and activism. His legal battle to reclaim his position at Delhi University was ongoing until his death.

Nandita Narain, a former DU professor and a close family friend, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating that he was a "brilliant man" and emphasizing the need to keep his legacy alive. Saibaba’s story, from his struggle with physical disabilities to his fight against what many called wrongful imprisonment, will be remembered as a tale of resilience and courage.