A tense situation unfolded at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day. The Delhi Police said the decision was taken following a Delhi High Court order and medical advice due to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
During the process of removing protesters from the site, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that he was beaten and detained by Delhi Police, accusing authorities of using force against demonstrators.
Police denied allegations of excessive action, saying protesters attempted to obstruct the process but that officers exercised restraint. Dipke had earlier alleged an attempted disruption of Wangchuk’s protest, claiming an object was thrown towards him, though Wangchuk was not injured.
The protest, which began on June 20, has demanded accountability over alleged NEET examination irregularities, including a judicial probe and reforms in the examination system.
Wangchuk Shifted Amid Health Concerns
The situation at Jantar Mantar escalated on Saturday after authorities moved Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital amid growing concerns over his health condition during his hunger strike.
Wangchuk, known for his work on climate issues and education reforms, had been participating in an indefinite fast demanding action over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination process. He joined the protest on June 28 and had continued his hunger strike for 21 days when medical concerns prompted authorities to intervene.
According to the Delhi Police, the decision to shift Wangchuk was not taken independently but followed directions from the Delhi High Court and advice from medical experts monitoring his condition.
In a statement shared on X, Delhi Police said, “As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care.”
The police said that while carrying out the order, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief commotion at the protest site. However, authorities maintained that the situation was handled with restraint.
“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 restraint and undertook the exercise safely,” the Delhi Police stated.
Dipke Alleges Police Action
Following the incident, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, alleged that police personnel used force against protesters and that he was detained during the clearance operation at Jantar Mantar. In a post on X, Dipke claimed, “I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police.”
He further alleged that authorities were forcefully removing Wangchuk from the protest site, writing, “Delhi Police is cracking down at Jantar Mantar, beating people up and taking away Sonam sir forcefully.” Dipke claimed that he was later released after the ambulance carrying Wangchuk left the protest venue.
The allegations have added another layer to the ongoing protest, with questions being raised over the manner in which authorities handled the situation.
While Dipke accused the police of suppressing a peaceful demonstration, Delhi Police maintained that its actions were aimed at ensuring medical care for Wangchuk while following judicial directions. No independent confirmation has emerged regarding Dipke’s allegations of being assaulted by police personnel.
Earlier Claims Of Disruption
Before Wangchuk was shifted to hospital, Dipke had also raised concerns about alleged attempts to disturb the protest at Jantar Mantar. In another post on X, Dipke claimed that an object was thrown towards Wangchuk during the demonstration but said that the activist was not injured.
“Goons tried to attack Sonam sir at Jantar Mantar. An object was thrown at him, but fortunately, he was not hurt,” Dipke alleged. He also claimed that he had received information suggesting attempts could be made to disrupt the protest.
“A few days ago, I had warned that people would be sent to Jantar Mantar to disrupt the protest after I was informed by an insider in the police,” he said.
Dipke accused authorities of failing to act against people allegedly creating disturbances at the protest site, claiming that such incidents could weaken a peaceful demonstration. The Delhi Police has not publicly confirmed Dipke’s allegations regarding an attempted attack on Wangchuk.
The protest at Jantar Mantar has been organised by the Cockroach Janata Party since June 20. The group has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a judicial investigation into alleged irregularities linked to competitive examinations, and broader reforms to improve transparency in India’s examination system.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The developments at Jantar Mantar highlight the importance of balancing public safety, medical concerns, and the democratic right to peaceful protest. While authorities have a responsibility to ensure that individuals receive necessary medical care, especially during prolonged hunger strikes, the manner in which such interventions are carried out also matters.
Allegations of excessive force during peaceful demonstrations must be taken seriously and addressed through transparent investigations. At the same time, protests remain strongest when they continue through dialogue, accountability, and non-violent expression.
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