New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after completing 20 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with authorities citing his deteriorating health, medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court. Protest organisers alleged that he was removed “forcefully” and taken to the hospital against his wishes.
Police subsequently began removing protesters from the Jantar Mantar site, leading to a brief commotion between officers and demonstrators. Visuals from the area showed security personnel asking the remaining participants to vacate the protest venue.
Wangchuk’s fast entered its 21st day on Saturday. He had been supporting a protest seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including paper leaks, and broader reforms intended to protect students and ensure transparency in the examination system.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, said the decision to move Wangchuk was taken in accordance with court orders and expert medical advice.
“As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care,” the police said.
“While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued, however police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely.”
The police also appealed to the remaining demonstrators to leave the site peacefully.
“We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest,” the statement said.
Protesters, however, disputed the official account and claimed that Wangchuk had been taken away without his consent. Members of the protest group also alleged that force was used against some participants during the police operation. Delhi Police maintained that officers exercised restraint while shifting Wangchuk and clearing the area.
Wangchuk was reported to be stable after his admission to Safdarjung Hospital, although doctors said he remained weak following the prolonged fast and required continuous monitoring.
The hospitalisation did not immediately bring the demonstration to an end. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, announced a fresh indefinite hunger strike following Wangchuk’s removal, while supporters continued to gather around the protest site. The group has also announced plans for further demonstrations over its demands for examination reforms and accountability.
The incident has intensified the confrontation between the protesters and authorities, with the police presenting the intervention as a medical necessity and the organisers describing it as an attempt to disrupt a peaceful movement. The immediate focus will now remain on Wangchuk’s health and whether the authorities and protest representatives can prevent the dispute from escalating further.
