The Gadchiroli police of Maharashtra said on Saturday that a “Maoist pamphlet” condemning the arrest of Delhi University Professor G.N. Saibaba had been recovered, making his Maoist links “clear.”
“The Maoists have themselves given proof of Professor Saibaba’s Maoist links. They dropped some pamphlets near Jambia (Gatta) village condemning the arrest of the Professor,” the District Superintendent of Police said in a press statement.
However, the Professor’s lawyer, Surendra Gadling, denied the allegation.
“The Maoists openly support the movement for a separate Vidarbha State. Does that mean everyone who supports Vidarbha statehood has Maoist links?” Mr. Gadling asked.
“The police are trying to link the statement to Saibaba, which is unfair. The Maoists may come up with statements in support of anyone. But the police always try to hamper people’s movement by such vicious propaganda.”
On reports of Professor Saibaba going on a hunger strike inside the jail, Mr. Gadling said he had requested the Professor who had 90 per cent disability not to do so.
“He needs two persons to assist him even to eat or relieve himself. Initially, the jail authorities refused to help him but now they have provided two persons who help him,” he said.
The Professor, who was arrested from New Delhi last week, has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days by a court in Gadchiroli.
