Campaign launched to release Saibaba

Police say govt has approved the DU prof’s prosecution for alleged Maoist links.
Even as police investigation is going on to establish that Delhi University Professor G N Saibaba, who was arrested by the Gadchiroli police, had alleged links with Maoists, a signature campaign has been initiated in his support, which will be submitted to the Chief Justice of India. Till now, the campaign has garnered 2,000 signatures across the country. The online campaign has been started by Karen Gabriel, an associate professor at St Stephen’s College in Delhi.
“Till now, around 2,000 people have signed up for the release of Saibaba. We will submit it to the Chief Justice of India R M Lodha in couple of days time. Anybody, who raises his voice against atrocities on tribals, is branded as a naxal. And the moment the authorities brand someone as naxal, he is denied of any help, it even silences the voices supporting that person,” said Gabriel. Saying that it violates freedom of speech, Gabriel added, “Soon, anyone disagreeing with the policies of the state will be labelled as naxal.” In the petition, Gabriel has stated that Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly issued instructions that persons and organisations raising human rights issues in Maoist affected areas must be arrested and interrogated.