Activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk remains under close medical supervision at Delhi’s Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital as his hunger strike entered its 23rd day, with doctors warning of persistent medical complications despite his vital signs remaining stable.
According to the hospital’s latest health bulletin issued on Tuesday, Wangchuk continues to have low blood sugar, low potassium levels, persistent pancytopenia, and mild to moderate dehydration, while refusing intravenous fluids and glucose despite repeated medical advice.
He is currently receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS) and oral potassium supplements. Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after his condition deteriorated during his fast in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over alleged examination irregularities.
Meanwhile, the protest intensified with the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, during which clashes broke out between protesters and police, prompting Delhi Police to register multiple FIRs over alleged vandalism, rioting and obstruction of public servants. While hospital authorities and the Delhi High Court have prioritised Wangchuk’s medical safety, the activist has continued to insist on carrying forward his fast and has repeatedly sought permission to return to the protest site.
Hospital Warns Of Risks
The latest medical bulletin from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital paints a picture of a patient whose condition is stable but medically fragile. Doctors stated that Wangchuk’s vital parameters remain stable, yet prolonged fasting continues to place significant physiological stress on his body.
Laboratory investigations revealed that his blood sugar remains below normal, while his serum potassium level stands at 3.2 mEq/L, increasing concerns over electrolyte imbalance.
The bulletin also noted persistent pancytopenia, a condition marked by reduced red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, resulting in anaemia, lowered immunity and impaired blood clotting. Doctors further observed ongoing mild to moderate dehydration, stressing that these abnormalities require continuous monitoring through serial laboratory investigations.
The hospital said Wangchuk continues to accept oral rehydration solution (ORS) and oral potassium supplementation, but has repeatedly declined intravenous fluids and glucose despite medical advice.
“In view of his ongoing mild to moderate dehydration, persistent laboratory abnormalities, and the physiological stress associated with prolonged fasting, sustained medical supervision and continuous clinical monitoring remain essential for his recovery and for the timely identification and management of any potential complications,” the hospital said in its bulletin.
Doctors added that all necessary medical care is being provided and that further treatment decisions would depend on his clinical progress and subsequent investigations. While medical experts have not directly attributed pancytopenia solely to fasting, prolonged nutritional deficiency can contribute to abnormalities in blood cell production, making continued observation critical.
Protest Escalates Amid Investigation
Wangchuk’s hospitalisation has become central to the wider agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party. He was shifted from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during the hunger strike, with Delhi Police saying the move followed medical advice and proceedings before the Delhi High Court, which has repeatedly emphasised that preserving his life remains its foremost concern.
During recent hearings, the High Court directed authorities to submit regular medical bulletins and pathological reports while declining to immediately order his release from hospital. Wangchuk, however, has maintained that he wishes to continue his fast at the protest site and has repeatedly sought permission to rejoin demonstrators.
The developments came a day after the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march saw thousands of supporters attempt to reach Parliament despite restrictions imposed by Delhi Police. The protest resulted in widespread detentions, heavy barricading, traffic diversions and internet disruptions in parts of central Delhi.
Clashes later erupted in areas including Connaught Place, where police alleged that unidentified persons vandalised police vehicles, pelted stones, obstructed officers on duty and snatched police equipment, including jackets and helmets.
Delhi Police have since registered multiple FIRs under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to rioting, damage to public property and obstruction of government employees, with investigations continuing. Despite the police action and Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has said the movement will continue, while solidarity protests have also been reported in other parts of the country.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The unfolding developments present two equally important realities that deserve careful attention. On one hand is an individual’s democratic right to peaceful protest and to draw attention to issues he believes require urgent public and governmental action.
On the other is the responsibility of medical professionals and public authorities to safeguard human life when a prolonged hunger strike begins to pose serious health risks. As public discourse becomes increasingly polarised, it is essential that concerns are addressed through meaningful dialogue rather than confrontation, and that protests remain peaceful while law enforcement exercises restraint and proportionality.
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