Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after spending 20 days on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the decision was made in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice after Wangchuk's health reportedly deteriorated during the prolonged fast.
Police personnel reached the protest site early on Saturday morning and shifted Wangchuk to the hospital amid protests and sloganeering by activists of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the group leading the demonstration. The removal sparked a brief commotion as some protesters attempted to resist the police action, but authorities said the operation was carried out with maximum restraint.
In an official statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was moved to the hospital "as per orders of the Hon'ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk." The statement added that the activist was shifted for "essential medical care" to ensure his safety.
Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital later confirmed that Wangchuk was conscious after being admitted. They said his vital signs were stable and that he would remain under medical observation while doctors continued to monitor his condition.
According to the police, repeated announcements were made at Jantar Mantar before the action was taken. Protesters were informed that the decision to move Wangchuk was not arbitrary but was being carried out in accordance with the High Court's directions and due to concerns about his health. Police also appealed to demonstrators to peacefully vacate the protest site following the hospitalisation.
The developments come just a day after the Centre appointed Anurag Kumar, the former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, as the new Commissioner of Delhi Police. While the timing has drawn public attention, police have maintained that the decision to hospitalise Wangchuk was solely based on medical necessity and judicial directions.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court had taken note of concerns regarding Wangchuk's deteriorating health while hearing a plea related to his hunger strike. The court observed that "the life of any citizen is precious" and directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations. It also instructed officials to ensure regular clinical monitoring and provide timely medical intervention whenever necessary.
Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janata Party's ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. The CJP, an online satirical movement, has been demanding reforms in India's education system and is calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET examination.
The protest gained momentum after the medical entrance examination was cancelled in early May following a paper leak controversy. Protesters have accused the authorities of failing to ensure a fair examination process and have demanded greater accountability in the conduct of national-level competitive exams. The movement has also highlighted the need for stronger safeguards to prevent future examination-related irregularities.
Wangchuk's decision to join the hunger strike brought significant public attention to the protest. Known for his environmental activism and advocacy for sustainable development, he has often used peaceful demonstrations to draw attention to issues of public interest. His participation added visibility to the demands raised by the protesters and attracted support from several civil society groups and activists.
With Wangchuk now under medical supervision, it remains to be seen whether the ongoing agitation will continue at Jantar Mantar or take a different course in the coming days. Meanwhile, Delhi Police have reiterated that their priority was to protect the activist's health while complying with the Delhi High Court's directions. As the protest continues to generate political and public debate, all eyes will remain on both Wangchuk's recovery and the government's response to the protesters' demands.
