Sonam Wangchuk Taken to Hospital by Police from Hunger Strike Site
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Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike in India’s capital Delhi, was taken to a hospital by police on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
According to news agency PTI, Wangchuk, who has been on a fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for 20 days, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
His hunger strike reached its 21st day, protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
A large deployment of security personnel has been reported at Jantar Mantar.
The founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, has also been taken into police custody.
“Delhi police have assaulted me and taken me into custody,” Dipke wrote on the social media platform X.
Why Was Wangchuk Taken to Hospital?
CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das informed via X that Delhi police took Abhijeet Dipke into custody from his location.
“Sonam Wangchuk is being removed from the protest site. I have been informed that police are using lathi charge (baton charge) against students,” said spokesperson Das.
In an update shared on social media, Delhi police stated: “Following the order of the Delhi High Court and the advice of specialist doctors, as Sonam Wangchuk’s health condition was deteriorating, he was taken to hospital for necessary treatment.”
“While implementing the High Court’s order, there were some transient moments of disruption caused by protesters, but the police exercised restraint and carried out the procedure safely. All protesters present at Jantar Mantar are requested to vacate the area peacefully and immediately,” the police added.
Image source, Abhijeet Dipke
What Is the High Court Order?
The Delhi High Court had directed the government to monitor Sonam Wangchuk’s health condition. This marks the first time the court has intervened in this protest.
Under the court’s directive, arrangements were made to shift Wangchuk to hospital if his health worsened.
Before Wangchuk became critically ill, the bench of two judges had issued orders to responsible authorities to take necessary measures based on medical advice, following a plea demanding that the activist be compulsorily given essential care.
This order came a few days before the protest planned by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on July 20. The CJP has called for a demonstration from the hunger strike site to the Indian Parliament.
The planned protest aims to intensify demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and improvements in the examination system, according to CJP.