New Delhi: The family of Erappungal Abubacker, the 72-year-old former chairman of the Popular Front of India (PFI), is raising alarms over his worsening health while in custody, fearing for his life.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Abubacker’s son, Talal, expressed concerns to a local news outlet, fearing that his father might die in prison due to inadequate medical care. He drew parallels to the case of Stan Swamy, an 84-year-old human rights activist who died in a Mumbai prison under similar circumstances.

Abubacker, who suffers from multiple serious health conditions, was arrested in September 2022 following a crackdown on the PFI by the Modi regime, after the organization was banned. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) along with other PFI leaders.

Talal stated that his father was bedridden at the time of arrest and continues to be in critical condition, requiring assistance from another prisoner for daily activities. He expressed concerns that his father might face the same fate as Swamy, who was denied bail and died in custody.

Abubacker’s bail request on medical grounds was denied by the Delhi High Court in May. The Supreme Court is now considering his bail application and has requested a medical report on his condition from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Talal also mentioned the health issues of another prisoner, AS Ismail, who suffered a stroke in Tihar Central Jail, resulting in paralysis on his right side. Despite needing urgent medical treatment, Ismail did not receive adequate care and was discharged from the hospital prematurely.