DU professor convicted for links with Naxals
A Delhi University professor, GN Saibaba along with five other accused have been convicted by sessions court in Gadricholi for links with banned organization CPI-Maoist. Gadricholi court announced the ruling earlier today and all the accused have been convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Among the accused is a JNU student and a former journalist. The case has been ongoing since 2013.
Professor GN Saibaba
Prof. GN Saibaba, wheelchair-bound with 90% disability, was a former English Professor with the Ram Lal Anand College, Delhi University. He acted as the Deputy Secretary of Revolutionary Democratic Front (a front organization of the Maoists) and his aim was to propagate Naxalite ideology in urban India. Saibaba was in contact with Maoists in India and in other countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Crackdown and arrests
In August 2013, two close associates of Saibaba were arrested in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra who were found in possession of incriminating CPI-M documents. Based on leads from those arrested, two other associates were arrested soon after and in May 2014, Prof Saibaba was arrested as well. A search of his house unearthed hard drives which contained electronic evidences of his association with Maoist groups.
Aftermath of arrest
Saibaba was charged with helping Maoist groups with logistics and recruitment. Soon after he was suspended from Delhi University. He was jailed for 14 months before getting bail due to deteriorating health given his disablement.
Harsh punishments meted out
Prof Saibaba and 4 other associates were sentenced to life imprisonment for "waging war" against India. The court refused to be lenient on grounds of disability as it didn't impair Saibaba's working for Maoists and even abetting violent activities. While pronouncing verdict, the court said, accused conspired "to create violence, cause public disorder and spread disaffection towards the central government and the state government".
