‘Nervous System Was Damaged, Received No Treatment’: G.N. Saibaba on His Imprisonment

Dr. GN Saibaba, a former Delhi University professor and human rights activist, was arrested in 2014 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged Maoist ties. He endured severe imprisonment and health crises until his release in March 2024. Known for his advocacy for Adivasi rights and opposition to state repression, he criticised government operations like Green Hunt, which targeted tribal communities.

Saibaba’s incarceration, marked by physical suffering and neglect, ultimately contributed to his declining health, leading to his death on October 12, 2024. Despite being imprisoned, he remained committed to social justice and marginalised communities’ rights, including Dalits and Adivasis, whom he felt were excluded from quality education. Throughout his ordeal, his wife Vasantha stood by him, with their shared love for literature and social causes strengthening their bond.