Abhijeet Dipke Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike Following Wangchuk's Hospital Admission

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday announced an indefinite hunger strike in support of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk after the activist was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his fast. Declaring the start of his protest through a post on social media platform X, Dipke said he was beginning the hunger strike immediately following Wangchuk's hospitalisation. The announcement came amid escalating protests in the national capital and growing political attention over the treatment of Wangchuk and the handling of the demonstration.

Dipke alleged that he was beaten and detained by Delhi Police following the hospitalisation of Wangchuk. He also claimed that he was denied entry to the protest site at Jantar Mantar and appealed for a peaceful nationwide strike against the police action. Delhi Police, meanwhile, urged protesters to vacate the protest venue and significantly increased security deployment in and around Jantar Mantar. Additional police personnel and Rapid Action Force units were stationed in the area as authorities prepared for the CJP's proposed Parliament march scheduled for Monday.

Hours after Dipke announced his hunger strike, a woman threw ink at him while he was addressing supporters at a gathering in New Delhi. Police detained the woman shortly after the incident, although her identity and the motive behind the act were not immediately disclosed. Despite the disruption, Dipke continued to reiterate his support for Wangchuk and urged demonstrators to maintain peace while continuing their protest against the authorities' actions.

Also Read: Wangchuk's Wife Gitanjali: 'No Treatment Without Our Consent'

Sonam Wangchuk remains under close medical observation at Safdarjung Hospital after being admitted following a prolonged hunger strike. According to hospital sources, doctors detected dehydration, low potassium levels and elevated ketone levels, which could increase the risk of kidney-related and metabolic complications if treatment is delayed. Hospital authorities have reportedly been counselling Wangchuk's family to permit medical treatment without further delay. However, his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has alleged a lack of transparency in his medical care, claiming the family was not provided copies of his medical reports or allowed an independent verification of test results.

The developments have prompted reactions from several political leaders and activists. Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal criticised the Centre for not initiating dialogue with the protesters and questioned the government's handling of the situation. Veteran social activist Anna Hazare also appealed to the Union government to engage in discussions with Wangchuk, saying authorities should clearly communicate their position on his demands rather than avoid negotiations. Both leaders called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Security arrangements across central Delhi have been further tightened ahead of the proposed Parliament march, with additional surveillance, vehicle checks and barricading at key entry points into the New Delhi district. The hospitalisation of Wangchuk, Dipke's indefinite hunger strike and the heightened police deployment have intensified the ongoing protest movement. As demonstrations continue, attention remains focused on Wangchuk's health, the response of the authorities and the possibility of dialogue between the government and the protesters.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After 20-Day Hunger Strike