Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to a government hospital on Saturday after his health deteriorated during the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Delhi Police said the move was carried out on medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk was shifted to hospital after doctors recommended immediate medical intervention due to his declining condition. He added that the activist is currently under medical supervision and receiving the necessary treatment.
In an official statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was taken to hospital for essential medical care following expert medical advice and in accordance with the High Court’s orders. The police said a brief commotion occurred when some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, but officers exercised restraint and completed the operation safely.
The police also appealed to those gathered at the protest site to end the agitation peacefully and vacate the area.
Following the hospitalisation, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke alleged that police used force against protesters during the operation. In posts on X, he claimed that he had been assaulted and detained by Delhi Police and alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly taken away from the protest venue.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since June 28 in support of the CJP-led agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy.
Doctors monitoring his condition said he has lost nearly 9.5 kg since the hunger strike began, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels have remained under continuous observation as his health deteriorated over the past three weeks.
The Delhi High Court has been overseeing the matter and earlier directed authorities to conduct regular medical assessments and provide appropriate treatment whenever necessary.
Despite his worsening condition, Wangchuk had reiterated on Friday night that he intended to continue the fast, stating in a video message that he had already lost 20 per cent of his body weight and urging the government to respond to the concerns of protesting students.
