Mon Oct 14 12:05:50 UTC 2024: ## Activist G.N. Saibaba Dies After Years of Imprisonment, Opposition Blames Government

**New Delhi, October 13, 2024:** G.N. Saibaba, a former Delhi University professor and activist, passed away on Saturday night at a Hyderabad hospital due to postoperative complications. His death has sparked outrage, with several opposition parties blaming the Narendra Modi government for his demise.

Saibaba, who was acquitted in March this year of alleged Maoist links, had been imprisoned for a decade. Opposition leaders and activists have criticized the government for denying him bail and adequate medical care during his long incarceration.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemned the government’s “repressive policies,” claiming that Saibaba was “denied bail for years” and “denied urgent medical treatment.” The CPI general secretary D. Raja termed Saibaba’s death an “institutional murder,” arguing that basic human rights were denied to him. He also called for a “resolute struggle” against draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Several other opposition leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj K. Jha, and Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, expressed condolences and echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the government’s alleged role in Saibaba’s death.

While the Congress leadership remained silent on the issue, some members, like Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram, criticized the “system” for killing Saibaba. The Kerala unit of the Congress pointed out the stark contrast between the treatment of Saibaba and that of convicted criminals, highlighting the alleged bias in the justice system.

Former Union Law Minister Ashwini Kumar called Saibaba’s life struggle a testament to the “unfairness of our criminal justice system,” advocating for judicial reforms and legislation against custodial torture.

Saibaba’s death has reignited debate about the UAPA and the alleged misuse of the law to target activists and dissenters. The incident has also highlighted concerns about the Indian government’s treatment of political prisoners and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the justice system.

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