Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike In the early hours of Saturday, Delhi Police moved climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital, as his indefinite hunger strike marked its 21st day. Authorities stated that the action was taken following clear directives from the Delhi High Court to monitor and preserve the activist’s life due to medical concerns regarding his sharply deteriorating physical health. Following his removal, a heavy police deployment was initiated at the iconic protest location to clear out remaining demonstrators.
Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike – High Court Intervention and Deteriorating Health Triggers Eviction
The Delhi High Court had previously instructed administration officials to consistently evaluate Wangchuk’s physiological status on a daily basis, emphasizing that preserving a citizen’s life remains a paramount responsibility of the state. Medical reports indicated that Wangchuk had lost over 9 kilograms since initiating his fast on June 28, presenting critical risks of impending organ damage. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma confirmed that the shifting operation was executed under professional medical guidance and strict judicial compliance, ensuring the activist received immediate emergency medical intervention where his vital statistics have since been reported as stable.
Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike – Protesters Allege Forcible Crackdown and Detention Ahead of Planned March
The police operation sparked intense friction at Jantar Mantar, with student groups and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleging that Wangchuk was dragged away against his will by security personnel in plain clothes. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed he was physically assaulted and subsequently placed under police detention during the commotion. Activists reported that police personnel used white sheets to cover the stage and block visibility while moving Wangchuk, while remaining supporters formed human chains to resist the eviction before authorities ordered the complete clearance of the site.
Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike – NEET Protests and the Upcoming Parliament Session Escalation
Wangchuk’s indefinite fast was launched to demand accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over structural discrepancies and paper leak scandals surrounding the national NEET examinations. The sudden police intervention transpired barely 48 hours prior to a highly publicized peaceful march to Parliament scheduled by the activists for July 20, coinciding with the commencement of the Monsoon Session. Despite the disruption and hospitalisation, opposition political figures have continued to extend widespread solidarity to the movement, as the police maintain their appeal for all remaining protesters to peacefully vacate the area.
