Varavara Rao

Varavara Rao, a writer, poet, and activist, remained on trial at the end of the year.  Freed on regular bail, he is one of 16 writers, scholars and activists, including scholar Hany Babu (see above under ‘Detained’), who have been targeted under India’s counterterrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The charges against the group, referred to as the BK-16, reportedly arose from their alleged involvement in ‘inciting violence’ at a public event held on 31 December 2017 by activists advocating for the rights of Dalits and other marginalised communities. On 1 January 2018, one day after the event, riots erupted between Dalits and Hindu nationalists during a celebratory gathering to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, a significant cultural event among India’s Dalit community. Rao has completely rejected all charges, with many viewing his detention as being politically motivated and part of a wider crackdown on activists across India. 

Detained in abhorrent conditions for over two years after his arrest on 28 August 2018, Rao suffered COVID-19 and other health complications but was repeatedly denied adequate medical treatment in jail until he was released on bail in February 2021 which has allowed him to receive medical treatment.  However, he remains subject to strict bail conditions, which include restrictions on his movement and ability to make any public statements regarding his case (see Case lists 2023/2024, 2022 and 2021).

Born on 3 November 1940, Varavara Rao is a poet and activist. An important figure in Telugu literature, Rao is a founder of the Virasam – the Revolutionary Writers Association. The author of 17 poetry collections, from 1966-1992, and 19 prose books, all in Telugu, Rao ran Srujana (Creation), a monthly journal focussing on modern Telugu literature.