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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Eligible families won't be inconvenienced with BPL card revision: Karnataka minister Muniyappa
Bengaluru, Nov 26: Karnataka minister K H Muniyappa on Monday said the officials have been instructed to restore the Below Poverty Line and Above Poverty Line ration cards as they existed earlier.
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister said the decision to this effect was taken in a meeting on November 21 on the orders of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Muniyappa said he has instructed officials to correct all the ration cards by November 28 and distribute rice to the BPL ration card holders with all the facilities.
This comes after some confusion in the state over the cancellation of many Below Poverty Line ration cards while the list of BPL families was being revised. The minister clarified that there was no need to worry for the eligible beneficiaries.
"Steps are being taken to ensure that the eligible beneficiaries are not inconvenienced, and the ineligible ration cards of taxpayers and government employees will be transferred to APL," he said.
The minister underlined that the state government has introduced pro-poor schemes for the benefit of economically weaker sections.
