Student leader Atikur Rahman, who was undertaking treatment at a local hospital in Lucknow since August 29 after his health deteriorated, was sent back to jail on Tuesday despite having serious health issues.
Rahman was arrested in October 2020 along with Kerala journalist Siddiqui Kappan and was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to his brother Mateen, the Campus Front of India leader was admitted to the cardiology department of the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Hospital for treatment.
“My brother was referred to the neurological department. But now he is sent back to jail on Tuesday. His condition was so bad that he was even sent to jail in an ambulance,” Mateen told The Cognate. “The jail authorities say they would shift him back to a hospital within two days.”
Rahman, 28, was a regular visitor to AIIMS since 2007 when he was a teenager, diagnosed with a chronic heart ailment. He is suffering from a heart condition called aortic regurgitation. It occurs when the aortic valve of the heart does not close tightly. Its most serious complication would be heart failure.
“The administration is responsible for his health condition. When Atik gained consciousness a day before he told that in jail, he did not even get his medicine. The same is happening once again. They (authorities) are being irresponsible,” he added.
His brother said that Rahman’s brain’s nerves has dried. “He is unable to recognise us. His brain’s nerve is dried and needs immediate treatment. We appeal to the authorities to kindly shift him to the neurological department soon.”
The CFI leader’s right arm is reportedly not functioning.
The 28-year-old’s counsel, Saifan Sheikh told The Cognate, “The cardiologists have declared that they have treated Atik’s heart and he does not have any problems related to it anymore. And referred him to the neurological department.”
“But the jail authorities did not let him shift to the department saying that they do not have further permission. First, they need to consult with the jail doctor and will get him back tomorrow,” Sheikh said.
“I’m trying to reach out to the jail superintendent of police. But he is not responding.”
Meanwhile, Amnesty International India has demanded the immediate release of Atik.
“It is a travesty for the Indian authorities to keep Atikur Rahman in detention for almost two years on bogus charges solely for peacefully exercising his human rights. It seems the authorities are on a vindictive quest to further crush him by making his life unbearable, including by denying and delaying his medical treatment. Rahman should not have been detained in the first place. His arbitrary detention must end,” Aakar Patel, chair of board for Amnesty International India said.
“Rahman must be released immediately and all politically motivated charges against him dropped. Pending his release, the Indian authorities must ensure that his detention conditions are improved in line with international standards and that he has immediate and regular access to his family and any healthcare he may require. Subjecting Rahman to inhumane conditions and failing to provide adequate medical treatment is a human rights violation,” he further added.
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Rabia Shireen is a Staff Reporter at The Cognate.
