Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After 20-Day Hunger Strike

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi's Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police early on Saturday after authorities cited concerns over his deteriorating health during a 20-day hunger strike. Wangchuk has been protesting while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. According to police, the operation was carried out in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice that immediate treatment was necessary. He has since been admitted to the emergency ward, where hospital sources said he is conscious and his vital signs are stable.

According to officials, police personnel arrived at the protest site in civilian clothes during the early morning hours and deployed heavy security around the area. Curtains were put up before officers escorted Wangchuk from the protest venue. Supporters associated with the Cockroach Janata Party, which has been leading the demonstration, raised slogans and briefly attempted to obstruct the operation. Police, however, maintained that the activist was taken to the hospital peacefully and that officers exercised maximum restraint throughout the process to avoid any escalation.

In a statement, the Delhi Police said the decision to move Wangchuk was taken solely on medical grounds after expert advice indicated his health had significantly worsened. The force stated that it acted in accordance with the High Court's directions and appealed to the remaining protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully at the earliest. Authorities also reiterated that public safety and the activist's medical condition were the primary reasons behind the intervention.

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The police action followed repeated warnings from doctors regarding Wangchuk's physical condition after nearly three weeks without regular food intake. Medical professionals had earlier described his health as an emergency, expressing concerns that prolonged fasting could lead to organ failure. A medical update issued earlier this week indicated that the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms since beginning the hunger strike, raising serious concerns about his overall condition.

Despite the medical warnings, Wangchuk had remained determined to continue his fast until July 20, the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. Addressing supporters before being hospitalised, he said he intended to participate in a peaceful march to Parliament and urged people to join the demonstration in large numbers. He stated that although physically weak, he remained mentally strong and hoped the movement would continue peacefully to present its demands before the country's lawmakers.

The protest has drawn national attention as it combines concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak with broader questions surrounding accountability and public trust in competitive examinations. Wangchuk's removal from the protest site marks a significant development in the agitation, although it remains unclear whether the hunger strike will officially end following his hospitalisation. Authorities continue to monitor his health while supporters await further updates on both his medical condition and the future course of the protest.

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