India frees disabled academic jailed for Maoist links

India has released a disabled academic who was jailed for alleged links to Maoist rebels.

G.N. Saibaba, who is wheelchair-bound and suffers from several ailments, was serving a life sentence for his alleged involvement with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Saibaba’s case had attracted international attention, with rights groups criticizing his arrest and conviction as politically motivated.

His release has been welcomed by activists and human rights organizations, who have long campaigned for his freedom.

It is hoped that Saibaba’s release will lead to greater scrutiny of India’s anti-terror laws and the treatment of disabled prisoners.