Tension erupted at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday morning after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police.
The police said they shifted Wangchuk following a Delhi High Court order and medical advice because of his worsening health. However, members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) claimed the activist was taken away against his will and accused the police of using force during the operation.
Wangchuk Taken to Hospital After Health Deteriorates
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 21 days in support of students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
According to Delhi Police, doctors advised immediate medical treatment after Wangchuk's condition worsened. The police said the action followed directions issued by the Delhi High Court regarding regular monitoring of his health.
Delhi Police Cite High Court Order
In an official statement, Delhi Police said the hospitalisation was necessary to protect Wangchuk's health. “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. 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. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest,” the statement said.
Police also denied allegations that officers assaulted protesters or CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke. Officials said they only removed Wangchuk from the protest site to ensure he received medical treatment.
CJP Alleges Forced Removal
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke strongly opposed the police action. He claimed officers forcefully removed Wangchuk from the protest site. Dipke also alleged that police detained and assaulted him during the operation.
“I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police,” he wrote on X. In another post, he alleged that police had launched a crackdown on protesters at Jantar Mantar and were beating people gathered at the site.
Protesters Claim Police Came in Plain Clothes
Several protesters alleged that police officers arrived without uniforms and introduced themselves as a medical team. According to a protester quoted by ANI, volunteers initially believed the visitors were bdoctors.
“Early in the morning, they sent in about ten police officers, claiming they were a medical team. We realized they were police since they didn't look like doctors and they ordered all the volunteers to move aside. We kept requesting them to wait, but suddenly they announced that there was a High Court order requiring them to take Sonam Sir away. Meanwhile, Abhijit had just went away to use the restroom; I believe they have arrested him too which is why he cannot come here, and his phone isn't connecting either...All the policemen were in plainclothes,” the protester said. Some students present at the protest also alleged that police used lathis to disperse demonstrators.
Dipke Earlier Claimed Wangchuk Was Attacked
Late on Friday night, Dipke had claimed that Wangchuk was attacked at the protest site. However, no official confirmation of the alleged attack has been provided.
Doctors Report Declining Health
Medical reports released on Friday showed Wangchuk's health had continued to deteriorate during his hunger strike. According to Dr. Satish Lamba of the Delhi Medical Association, Wangchuk's weight dropped to 56.55 kg, a loss of 350 grams in the previous 24 hours.
His blood pressure was recorded at 108/68 mmHg, his blood sugar level at 70 mg/dL, and his pulse rate at 72 beats per minute.
Opposition Leaders Extend Support
Several Opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar on Friday to express support and check on his health. Those who met him included Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, SP MP Dimple Yadav, Congress leader Pawan Khera and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray.
Their visits came as protests over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy continued to draw political attention.