We are afraid that his hunger strike will adversely affect his health amounting to further deterioration
COMMITTEE FOR THE DEFENCE AND RELEASE OF DR.G.N.SAIBABA
PRESS RELEASE 20-10-2020
To
The Jail Superintendent,
Nagpur Central Prison,
Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Sub: Safeguard the rights of a Prisoner and prevent Dr. G.N. Saibaba from hunger strike by resolving his legitimate demands.
Respected Sir,
Prof. Dr. G.N. Saibaba convicted under UAPA, is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Prison. He has been a Professor in the Department of English, Ramlal Anand College, affiliated to Delhi University before his arrest.
According to the information from his family members, we learn that Dr. G. N. Saibaba is going on a hunger strike from 21st October 2020 in the Nagpur Central Jail as he was denied basic rights.
He is 90% physically disabled and suffering from several ailments including a heart problem. On behalf of the Committee, we appeal to all the concerned Jail authorities to safeguard the rights of Dr. G.N. Saibaba as a prisoner and prevent him from sitting on hunger strike.
We are afraid that his hunger strike will adversely affect his health amounting to further deterioration. You please convey the Defence committee’s appeal to him to defer his decision to go on hunger strike.
We also request you to take appropriate steps immediately to address the demands of Dr. G. N. Saibaba and stop him from going on Hunger Strike. We wish to draw your attention to the fact that prison is more a part of correctional administration and not a punishing place. We also appeal to you to resolve the following just and legitimate demands of Dr. G. N. Saibaba.Supply the books given by his family members and advocates to him as none of these books are banned under any law of the land.
◆Do not confiscate and withhold the letters written by his family members and friends to him.
◆Supply every day news papers to him which were temporarily stopped due to the Pandemic Covid-19.
◆Allow him to speak to family over telephone at least four times a month during this pandemic time. Provide necessary support to call his advocates whenever required.
◆Make arrangements so that he will receive the necessary medicines and other items given by the family members and advocates immediately without any delay as his health is in precarious condition.
◆Immediately consider his request for parole as he is eligible for a regular parole or under emergency parole due to death of his mother.
The Committee urges prompt action by the Jail authorities in this regard and save the life of Dr. G. N. Saibaba.
Prof. Haragopal,
Chairman
On Behalf of the Defence Committee*
