Stan Swamy's death: Facts vs furore - here is what we know

There isso much hype now surrounding the recent death of Father Stan Swamy.

Swamy is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case. Hewas facing investigation for his links to Maoist and Naxalite groups in India.

His death is being hyped up by a section of the media, social media and some politicians. But what is the truth?

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Here are some of the facts that you shouldknow.

So what really happened?

Elgar Parishad caseaccused Fr Stan Swamy, 84, suffered a cardiac arrest inHoly Family Hospital onJuly3. He passed away on July5.

What is the case he was involved in?

At the heart of the Elgar Parishad case is the incitement of people and giving of provocative speeches during a meeting of the same name, organisedby Kabir Kala Manch onDecember31,2017 atShanivarwada, Pune, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

The accusedpromoted enmity between the caste groups, which led to violence resulting in loss of life and property.

Thecase was registered onJanuary8,2018.

During investigation, it was revealed that senior leaders of CPI (Maoist), a proscribed terroristorganisation,were in contact with organisers of Elgar Parishad to spread their ideology of MaoismorNaxalismand encourage unlawfulactivities.

ThecasewaslatertransferredtoNational Investigation Agency (NIA).

The role of Stan Swamy emerged during the investigation, as he was found to be a member of CPI (Maoist) and actively involved in furthering its activities.

He was found to be in communication with CPI (Maoist) cadre. He was also convener of Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee (PPSC), a front organisationof CPI (Maoist).

Arrest and case: Was Swamy given due legal process?

Swamy was arrested onOctober8,2020 by NIA. He wasduly informed of grounds of arrest in terms of relevant sections of law.

He was examined by the medical practitioner and accordingly,his health condition was certified to be stable.

He was also subjected to medical check-up.He has made no complaints about his ill-treatmentatthe hands of the investigation officers during his production before the concerned NIAcourt, according to the government.

He was sent on judicial custody to Central Jail in Taloja, Mumbai.

In between, his bail applications before the High Court of Bombay wasrejected.

Was his health condition taken into account?

According to the government, Swamy was provided withallthenecessary requirements related to entitlement of accused in detention.

From his arrest to production before a special court, all the necessary medical formalities after his arrest were complied with. Care and attention were given for his safety and comfort during the air journey from Ranchi to Mumbai.

Duringhisjudicialcustody,FrStanSwamywaskeptinaseparatecellofprisonhospitalwithallnecessaryprecautionsandtwoattendantsasperadviceofmedicalofficerofTalojaCentralPrison inMumbai.

Hewasprovidedwithallfacilitiesincludingwheelchair,walker,walkingstick,straws,sipper,mug,commodechair,batterycellsforhishearingmachines,dentaltreatment,visitingpsychiatristandtelemedicine, the government said.

Was he taken into custody?

No. Considering his age, no police custody was obtained by NIA during investigation, as sufficient evidences were already on record.

Did he get proper medical treatment?

OnMay21,2021, Fr Stan Swamy had filed criminal appeal before High Court of Bombay, regarding which Maharashtra had filed medical report of Board of Doctors constituted by JJ Hospital.

He was advised by court to be treated in JJ Hospital; however, he refused to get admitted in JJ Hospital.

Subsequently, High Court allowed his plea to be shifted and treated in Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, along withone attendant as per the protocol.

The Maharashtra government was directed to provide protection during the treatment.

Swamy remained admitted in hospital sinceMay28,2021 for treatment in respect of ailments.

The duration of his stay in the hospital was extended tillJuly6,2021.