New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital early Saturday after completing 20 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with Delhi Police saying the move was carried out in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions and on the advice of medical experts.
Police personnel reached the protest site in the early hours of Saturday and escorted Wangchuk to a hospital as his health continued to deteriorate. The action triggered protests and sloganeering by activists of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
In an official statement, Delhi Police said the activist’s worsening medical condition necessitated immediate intervention.
“Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care,” the police said, adding that the action was taken in accordance with the Delhi High Court’s orders and expert medical advice.
The police also appealed to the protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully.
“While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protesters tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. Police, however, exercised maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We request the protesters at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest,” the statement added.
High Court Had Ordered Daily Health Monitoring
The police action came ahead of a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court concerning Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
Two days earlier, the High Court had directed authorities to conduct daily clinical examinations of the activist, observing that the “life of any citizen is precious.” The court instructed the Centre to ensure regular medical monitoring and any necessary medical intervention, stressing that “anything and everything should be done to protect Wangchuk’s life.”
Doctors Warned of Medical Emergency
Medical experts had repeatedly expressed concern over Wangchuk’s condition during the fast.
Doctors who examined him on Friday reportedly described his health as an emergency, warning of the possibility of multiple organ failure if the hunger strike continued.
Daily medical bulletins had also highlighted the rapid decline in his health. According to a health update issued earlier this week, the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms since beginning his fast.
Hunger Strike Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak
Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Over the past few days, several Opposition leaders visited the protest site to express solidarity and urge the activist to end his fast in view of his deteriorating health.
Among those who met Wangchuk were Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, all of whom appealed to him to prioritise his health.
Protesters Call for March to Parliament
The protesters have announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, and have appealed to political parties across the country to join the demonstration.
The agitation at Jantar Mantar was launched by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), an online satirical movement advocating educational reforms in India.
Led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, the organisation’s immediate demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that he should accept moral responsibility for the alleged NEET paper leak.
However, Pradhan has rejected the demand. In a recent interview with NDTV, the Union minister described the CJP and its supporters as “the B-team of disruptive elements” who “do not have faith in the country’s progress”, while reiterating that he would not resign.