NEW DELHI, JUL 18 (PTI): Citing medical advice and Delhi High Court directions, police shifted activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday, the 21st day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties, which accused the government of suppressing dissent.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), leading protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, intensified its agitation after the police action. Founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike, reiterated the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal, sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation and said the planned July 20 march to Parliament would go ahead.
A hospital bulletin issued at 3.30 pm said Wangchuk, 59, had refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and medications despite dehydration and metabolic abnormalities. Doctors said he was under continuous monitoring and counselling. The CJP later said Wangchuk had not ended his fast and would continue it from hospital.
Dramatic scenes unfolded around 7 am when a large contingent of police, including plainclothes personnel, reached the protest site near Parliament. Paramilitary personnel formed a cordon as officers used white sheets to shield Wangchuk before carrying the visibly frail activist to an ambulance amid protests by supporters.
“It happened so fast that nobody could understand what was going on,” said Talha, 22, who had travelled from Patna after following the protest. He said protesters rushed towards the stage but could only see the white sheets before Wangchuk was taken away.
Eyewitnesses said fewer protesters were present at the time and Dipke was away freshening up.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk was hospitalised following the Delhi High Court’s directions after his health deteriorated. Delhi Police said he was shifted for “essential medical care” on expert medical advice and in compliance with court orders.
It added that some protesters tried to obstruct the operation, causing a brief commotion, but police exercised restraint and completed the exercise. Police also appealed to protesters to vacate the site peacefully.
Security was tightened at Jantar Mantar as protesters regrouped. During an address by Dipke, a woman allegedly threw an ink-like liquid at him. She was detained and identified by police as men’s rights activist Barkha Trehan.
Dipke later alleged on X that Delhi Police had beaten and briefly detained him after he left the protest site. Calling for nationwide protests, he accused police of high-handedness. The CJP also shared a video of Wangchuk’s removal, describing the action as “a national shame”.
Meanwhile, AISA members Neha, Aameen and Manish continued their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. According to AISA, protesters formed a human chain to prevent police from removing them.
Wangchuk and the three AISA activists have been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and reported student deaths linked to the controversy.
