Human Rights activist Dr GN Saibaba passes away seven months after acquittal in UAPA Case
Hyderabad: Dr Gokarakonda Naga Saibaba, a former Delhi University professor and prominent human rights activist, passed away on Saturday, 12 October 2024, at the age of 58. He died at Hyderabad’s Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest, just seven months after being acquitted in a case where he was accused of links with Maoist groups.
Saibaba, who taught at Ram Lal Anand College, had been arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged involvement with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Despite the charges, the Bombay High Court acquitted him in March 2024, citing insufficient evidence.
Throughout his ten-year incarceration, Saibaba, who had polio-paralysis, reported severe mistreatment, including being denied essential medication. He became a symbol of state repression, often raising his voice against injustices faced by political prisoners.
A passionate advocate for Adivasi rights, Saibaba was critical of the government’s actions, such as Operation Greenhunt, which targeted tribal communities in the 'red corridor.' He also supported the Telangana statehood movement and spoke out against the arrest of fellow activist Stan Swamy.
Dr Saibaba is survived by his wife, Vasantha Kumari, and his daughter, Manjeera.
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Distraught families wait in anguish outside LNJP Hospital after Red Fort blast leaves several dead,
New Delhi (PTI) Hours after a high-intensity car explosion near the Red Fort killed at least eight people and injured 24 others, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded outside the LNJP Hospital on Monday night, as families waited anxiously for word on their loved ones.
Confusion and grief marked the atmosphere, with relatives alleging lack of information and mismanagement. Many said they were not being allowed inside to check on the victims.
Sudheer Sharma, a resident of Rohtas Nagar in Shahdara, said his son Ankush Sharma was critically injured in the explosion, battling for his life in the ICU.
"My son went to visit the Gauri Shankar temple with his friend Rahul Kaushik. While Rahul was sent home after stitches on his head, Ankush is fighting for his life," he said, adding that his son worked at a jewellery shop.
Zeeshan Ansari, brother-in-law of Dawd who sustained injuries in the blast, said, "He called me after the incident. We rushed here immediately, but have not been allowed to see him till now."
Mohammad Danish, cousin of Sameer Khan, an auto-rickshaw driver injured in the blast, said a stranger called him to inform him about the incident.
"Sameer is in the ICU. We still don't know how bad his situation is," Danish said.
Tahir Mohammad, a relative of Sameer, said, "The hospital staff is not allowing us to see him."
At one point, an elderly man was seen pleading with police and hospital guards to let him inside to check on his son.
He was finally allowed after a heated argument.
Some people said there was "complete mismanagement" at the hospital, with no clear communication as to where to go or which gate to enter.
"We just want to know if our family members are alive," one of them said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the LNJP Hospital to take stock of the situation.
The blast, which occurred at 6.52 pm near the Red Fort traffic signal, gutted several vehicles and left multiple people critically injured.
Authorities said all major agencies -- Delhi Police, NIA, NSG and forensic teams -- are investigating the cause of the explosion.
