Former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba dies at 57

New Delhi: Former Delhi University professor G N Saibaba, who spent a decade in jail on alleged Maoist links before being acquitted earlier this year, passed away late Saturday evening.

The 57-year-old succumbed to post-operative complications following gallbladder surgery.

Saibaba had been undergoing treatment at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, where he was admitted ten days ago due to ill health. His aides said he suffered a heart attack around 8 pm and was declared dead at 8:30 pm.

A former professor of English, Saibaba was acquitted by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on March 5 and released from Nagpur Central Jail on March 7.

His family and friends had fought tirelessly for his release, citing his deteriorating health.

Wheelchair-bound Saibaba was arrested in 2014 on allegations of having links with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). After his acquittal, he had said, "I lost much more than 10 years I spent in jail."

Beyond his legal battles, Saibaba was also actively fighting to regain his job at Delhi University. The last hearing of this case was in September this year.

His passing has left a void in the academic and activist communities, as they mourn the loss of a brilliant mind and a courageous spirit.