Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, July 18, after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his hunger strike.
The Delhi Police said the decision was taken following directions from the Delhi High Court and medical advice from experts to provide him with “essential medical care”.
Shortly after Wangchuk was moved, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike, alleging police excesses during the action at the protest site.
Dipke claimed he was assaulted and detained by Delhi Police, while the police maintained that they acted as per court directions and exercised restraint.
The protest, which has demanded accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, continues with three AISA students also remaining on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk Shifted After Health Decline
Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, was taken to a hospital after his health condition worsened during the protest at Jantar Mantar. The move came after nearly three weeks of fasting, during which concerns were repeatedly raised over his declining health and the impact of prolonged fasting on his body.
The Delhi Police, in a statement, said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice from experts. The police said the decision was taken to ensure that he received “essential medical care” as his health condition deteriorated.
The Delhi High Court had earlier directed authorities to ensure regular medical monitoring of Wangchuk during his fast and emphasised that necessary medical intervention should be taken if his condition required it. The court had observed that every life is valuable and that authorities must balance the right to protest with the responsibility of protecting an individual’s health.
Wangchuk’s supporters, however, questioned the manner in which he was moved from the protest site. They alleged that the police action was carried out without the consent of those accompanying him and accused authorities of attempting to weaken the protest.
Following the intervention, Delhi Police appealed to protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the site.
Dipke Announces Hunger Strike
Soon after Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk and other protesters.
In a post on X, Dipke said, “I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now,” announcing that he would continue the protest against what he described as the administration’s handling of the demonstration.
The announcement came amid allegations from CJP members that the police action at Jantar Mantar amounted to a crackdown on peaceful protesters. Dipke alleged that he was beaten and detained by Delhi Police during the operation.
However, Delhi Police denied allegations of excessive force. Officials said the action was carried out in accordance with legal directions and that officers maintained restraint while dealing with the situation. Police also stated that some protesters attempted to resist the movement, resulting in a brief commotion.
The development has added another layer to the ongoing protest, with Dipke’s hunger strike now becoming a fresh point of contention between demonstrators and authorities.
Protest Over NEET-UG Controversy
Wangchuk’s hunger strike was linked to demands raised by CJP over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process. The protest called for accountability over concerns related to alleged paper leaks and examination-related lapses that affected thousands of medical aspirants.
The protesters have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding the ministry accountable for what they describe as failures in ensuring a fair and transparent examination system.
The NEET-UG controversy had triggered widespread debate among students, parents, and education activists, with concerns raised about the credibility of one of India’s largest entrance examinations. The government and examination authorities have taken several measures in response to allegations, while legal proceedings and investigations have continued in related matters.
As Wangchuk’s fast entered its third week, concerns about his physical condition increased. His prolonged hunger strike led to legal intervention, with petitions seeking medical supervision and appropriate action to prevent any serious harm.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, raised concerns after he was shifted to the hospital. She said that any medical decisions regarding him should involve his family and the doctors who had been monitoring his condition throughout the hunger strike.
Alongside Wangchuk, three students associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation’s All India Students’ Association (AISA) — Neha, Aameen and Manish — continued their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Former AISA president N. Sai Balaji said the students would continue their protest, which had also entered its 21st day.
The CJP has also maintained that its planned “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20 will continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The developments at Jantar Mantar highlight the delicate balance between the right to peaceful protest and the responsibility of authorities to safeguard public health and maintain order. Hunger strikes have historically been a powerful form of democratic expression, allowing individuals and groups to draw attention to issues they believe require urgent action. At the same time, prolonged fasting raises serious concerns about the health and safety of those involved.
The situation involving Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, and other protesters underlines the need for meaningful dialogue between authorities and citizens. Allegations of excessive force must be addressed transparently, while law enforcement actions should always prioritise dignity, restraint, and respect for democratic freedoms.
Also read: How Sonam Wangchuk’s Father’s 1984 Fast Brought Indira Gandhi To Leh For Ladakh’s ST Demand
