Nagpur: A Professor from Delhi University, who was arrested for allegedly being a Maoist sympathizer, has launched an indefinite hunger strike from April 12, 2015. The Professor is said to be protesting against the inhuman treatment meted out to him at the Nagpur Central Jail, where he is currently lodged.
The Gadchiroli Police had arrested Professor GN Saibaba somewhere in May 2014 and was booked under six Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
On April 14, 2015, Former High Court Judge and Human Rights Activist BG Kolse-Patil claimed that Professor Saibaba, who is wheelchair-bound since he is physically-challenged, was not even given a personal assistant in the Nagpur Central Prison and was being denied basic needs.
Professor Saibaba’s wife Vasantha too claimed that she was shocked to see the pathetic condition of her husband. She added that the condition of his health was deteriorating and that the doctors have advised for an angioplasty.
Professor Saibaba came under the scanner when a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Hem Mishra was interrogated after being arrested in 2013. Hem Mishra, who is also lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, was said to be acting as a link with senior Maoist leaders. It is alleged that he used to act as a link with senior leaders who include Secretary General Puppalla Laxman Rao alias Ganapathy. The Gadchiroli Police claimed that Professor Saibaba was one of the contact points in the national Capital. However, both Professor Saibaba and his wife maintain that the charges were fabricated and false.
The student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Hem Mishra too has alleged torture and inhuman conditions by Nagpur Central Jail authorities.
Sources inside the Central Prison said that the escape of five dreaded criminals from the Nagpur Central Jail recently, and the subsequent beefing up of security, had led to more restrictions which are being adhered by the jail authorities. This in turn has ensured less assistance for Saibaba.
Former High Court Judge and Human Rights Activist BG Kolse-Patil demanded that Professor Saibaba be released immediately and given medical treatment at a good hospital.
