Mumbai : A victim of government excesses and cruel imprisonment, the widely known human rights activist Fr. Stan Swamy has passed away. He was 84. . The end came at Holy Faith hospital in Mumbai’s Bandra this morning, right when his bail application in Elgar Parishad case has become due to be considered. The death is shocking, said Bombay High court. Fr. STan Swamy's lawyer said medical treatment was delayed.
Fr. Stan Swami was transferred to ventilator following breathlessness and fluctuating blood oxygen levels. He was admitted to Holy Faith on 30 June after being diagnosed with covid at Taloja jail where he was detained after arrest. Fr. Swamy's health underwent major deterioration during the prison stay. He was was indicted on charges of Maoist links over congregation in Elgar Parishath in Bhima Koregon – an arrest that sparked wide protests.
Fr. Stan Swami was a staunch critic of BJP government for its attempt to amend land laws. His areas of work included displacement, corporate loot of resources, the condition of undertrials, Panchayat Act(extension to Scheduled Areas), Land Acquisition Act in Jharkhand and was also a strong advocate of Forest Rights Act.
