Tribal Rights Activist Stan Swamy Dies

Mumbai: Tribal rights activist Stan Swamy died of cardiac arrest in Mumbai. He was 84.

Swamy, who was also suffering from Parkinson’s disease was moved to a private hospital from the Taloja prison following the high court’s order on May 29 after he tested Covid positive. 

He was arrested in October 2020 in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. Since his arrest he had repeatedly denied the charges, saying he was being targeted for his works related to tribal rights. He had also applied for bail on medical grounds but it was rejected.  

He spent eight months in Tajola Jail in Mumbai where his health condition deteriorated, he could not eat and walk by himself. He became so weak that someone had to spoon feed him.

Despite various requests from activists for his release, the National Investigative Agency (NIA) continued to oppose his release.

Jesuit priest has been fighting for the rights of indigenous tribes in Jharkhand for the past many years. He had even fought for the release of 3000 young men and women who were branded as Maoists.