We request all the writers and democrats to stand with Varavara Rao and demand his release; Revolutionary Writers’ Association

As he is in judicial custody, it is the responsibility of the honorable judiciary and government to protect his life…
_ Statement, Revolutionary Writers’ Association

Varavara Rao, a founder member of Revolutionary Writers’ association, Poet and activist who is arrested in Bhima Koregoan conspiracy along with ten other activists is incarcerated in Maharashtra jails since one and half years. Present he is kept in Taloja jail, Navi Mumbai. In the present context of Covid-19 pandemic we are very much worried about his health. Since he is an octogenarian, suffering from multiple ailments there is high risk of virus infection. After hearing about covid-19 infection among the prisoners and also death of a prisoner in the same Taloja jail our fear increased even more.

Since two months of lockdown, he is not allowed to meet his family members or his advocates. He is only allowed to talk for two min on phone that too only thrice. His aged wife and daughters are quite worried about his health. Varavara rao is well respected intellectual in civil society. He is only an under trial prisoner. He cooperated with judiciary all the time when he faced charges. None of the charges against him was proved. Now also he is under judicial custody as an under trial prisoner. The charges put on him are not proven since one and half year. Keeping these in concern we request to grant him bail immediately and save his life.

As he is in judicial custody, it is the responsibility of the honorable judiciary and government to protect his life. Article 21 of Indian constitution guarantees right to life to all citizens including prisoners. If anything happens to him it will certainly be a disgrace to our democracy. We request all the writers and democrats to stand with Varavararao and demand his release.

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