India frees disabled academic jailed for Maoist links

India has released disabled academic G.N. Saibaba, who was serving a life sentence for alleged Maoist links.

Saibaba, who is wheelchair-bound and has multiple health issues, was sentenced in 2017 for his alleged involvement with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

His detention had drawn international condemnation from human rights groups, who argued that he was being held on trumped-up charges.

After years of campaigning for his release, Saibaba was granted bail on humanitarian grounds as his health deteriorated in prison.

His release has been hailed as a victory by activists who have long fought for justice in his case.