The family of GN Saibaba, a former Delhi University professor and rights activist who recently passed away, has confirmed that his body will be donated to a hospital in accordance with his wishes. Saibaba, 58, died in Hyderabad due to post-operative complications following gallbladder surgery, just seven months after being released from Nagpur Central Jail.
Saibaba was incarcerated for 10 years on charges related to alleged Maoist links, during which he was convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His life sentence was overturned by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court earlier this year, leading to his release.
In a statement issued by the family, they revealed that Saibaba’s body would be kept at his brother’s residence in Jawahar Nagar, Hyderabad, for relatives, friends, and well-wishers to pay their respects. After this, his body will be donated to the state-run Gandhi Medical College. Additionally, his eyes have already been donated to the LV Prasad Eye Hospital.
Saibaba’s health had been deteriorating since his surgery at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) two weeks prior, where he developed complications following a gallbladder infection. His daughter, Manjeera, expressed her disbelief over her father’s passing, stating, “I still feel that I will go and open the door and he will be there sitting on his wheelchair telling me to do this and that.”
Manjeera shared that the family was aware of his severe condition on Saturday afternoon, but they were still hopeful of his recovery, given his previous resilience during health challenges while in jail.
Saibaba’s academic career was cut short when he was terminated from his position at Delhi University and evicted from his official accommodation following his arrest in 2014. He was a prominent figure in the literature fraternity and was known for his dedication to teaching and advocacy for democratic rights and civil liberties.
Prof. Saikat Ghosh, a colleague from DU, lamented that Saibaba’s death would weigh heavily on public conscience and highlighted the lack of accountability for the suffering he and his family endured. He stated, “The sad thing is that nobody will be held accountable for pushing him and his family to such a catastrophic end.”
Other colleagues echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Saibaba’s strength and the significant loss his passing represents. Prof. Abha Dev remarked on the hardships he faced, including his 90% disability, and criticized the country’s inability to celebrate such inspiring figures.
Before his final days, Saibaba had reported that he had been denied proper medical care during his imprisonment, alleging that he was not taken to a hospital for nine months and only received painkillers for his condition. His death raises questions about the treatment of prisoners and the impact of prolonged incarceration on individuals with serious health issues.
Sources By Agencies
