Hyderabad: G N Saibaba, the former Delhi University professor, passed away at a state-run hospital here on Saturday due to post-operative complications, seven months after his acquittal in a case linked to alleged Maoist activities. He was 54.

Health Complications and Hospitalisation

Saibaba had been suffering from a gallbladder infection and underwent surgery two weeks prior. Unfortunately, he developed complications and died around 9 pm on Saturday, according to an official statement. He had been receiving treatment at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) for the past 20 days.

Acquittal and Legal Background

In March, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted Saibaba and five others of the alleged Maoist links, highlighting that the prosecution had failed to establish the case against him. The court also nullified his life sentence, declaring the sanction obtained by the prosecution to charge the accused under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as "null and void."

Following his acquittal, the wheelchair-bound Saibaba walked out of Nagpur Central Jail, where he had spent the last ten years.

Allegations of Mistreatment

Earlier this year, Saibaba alleged that he had not been taken to a hospital for nine months while in custody, despite suffering paralysis on the left side of his body. He claimed that he was only provided painkillers during his time at Nagpur Central Jail after his arrest in 2014.

The former English professor stated that he was "kidnapped" and arrested by police to silence him. A native of Andhra Pradesh, he asserted that authorities warned him against speaking out, threatening him with arrest on false charges.

Saibaba claimed that during his arrest by the Maharashtra Police, he was dragged from his wheelchair, leading to a severe injury that affected his nervous system.

Condolences

CPI MLA K Sambasiva Rao expressed his condolences, calling Saibaba's death a loss to society.