Fr. Stan Swamy, accused in Elgaar Parishad case, dies aged 84
Mumbai: Stan Lourduswamy, known as Stan Swamy, accused in Elgaar Parishad case, passed away after battling prolonged illness in Mumbai.
Tribal rights activist for several decades, Swamy was (84) arrested under anti-terrorism law last year. He was an Indian Roman Catholic priest, a member of the Jesuit order.
He was arrested and chargesheeted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged role in the Bhima Koregaon violence and links to the Communist Party Of India (Maoist).
Swamy was arrested on October 8, 2020, and had been lodged at Taloja Central Jail till he was shifted to Holy Family hospital on May 30 following directions from the high court.
Lawyers of Stan Swamy had moved the Bombay High Court on Monday morning, seeking an urgent hearing on his medical bail plea after his health condition deteriorated on Sunday and he was put on ventilator support.
He celebrated his 84th birthday in a prison cell, numerous Church leaders voice calls for his release, with his fellow Jesuits saying “a caged bird still can sing.”
