Former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba, a prominent human rights activist and poet, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. He was 57 years old. Saibaba's death marks a significant loss for the human rights community and those who fought against state repression in India.
Saibaba was a wheelchair-bound professor who had been arrested on May 19, 2014, by a joint team of the Maharashtra police, Andhra Pradesh police, and the Intelligence Bureau for alleged ties with Maoist organizations . He was lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail for nearly a decade before being acquitted by the Bombay High Court along with five others in March 2024 .
During his ten-year incarceration, Saibaba faced severe ill-treatment and torture. Despite having permanent polio-paralysis, jail authorities refused to provide him with his necessary medication . His health was significantly impacted during his time in solitary confinement, which he described as his Agni pariksha (trial by fire).
Saibaba's acquittal was a significant victory for human rights activists and those who fought against the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The State failed to prove the charges against him, and he was released from prison after spending 3,592 days behind bars .
Despite his release, Saibaba continued to speak out against state repression and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. He was a passionate voice of the Left and remained committed to his cause until his untimely death. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of human rights activists.
Saibaba was not only an academic but also a poet. He had a collection of his prison poems and letters published by Speaking Tiger titled Why do you fear my way so much? This work reflects his resilience and determination in the face of adversity .
Saibaba's critique of Operation Greenhunt, an all-out paramilitary offensive by the Congress Union government in 2009, was particularly notable. This operation violated the rights and lives of Adivasis living in the red corridor (select districts covering various states from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal) .
Saibaba is survived by his wife Vasantha Kumari and 26-year-old daughter Manjeera. His death marks a deep void in the human rights landscape at a time when several political prisoners still remain jailed under the UAPA. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in India.
In conclusion, G N Saibaba's life was a testament to courage and resilience in the face of state repression. His contributions to human rights activism and literature will be remembered for years to come. His legacy continues to inspire those fighting for justice and equality in India.
