Sonam Wangchuk Forcibly Removed from Jantar Mantar on Day 21 of Hunger Strike, Shifted to Hospital Amid Protests
Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Day 21 of his hunger strike as police cited medical advice and court directions, triggering protests.
NEW DELHI — Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk was removed by Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar on Saturday after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike. He was taken to Safdarjung Hospital following medical advice and Delhi High Court directions concerning his deteriorating health.
Wangchuk, known for his work on alternative education and climate initiatives in Ladakh, had been fasting since late June as part of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest.
The demonstration demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-UG paper leaks, rising education costs, student suicides, and broader systemic failures in the examination process.
CJP Statement
The CJP strongly condemned the police action, describing it as a “forceful kidnapping” of a peaceful Gandhian protester. In a post on X, the group stated: “Sonam Wangchuk was peacefully protesting in a Gandhian way in Gandhi’s land. But Dharmendra Pradhan… he can enjoy the good life!” Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that all roads to Jantar Mantar were blocked and urged people to protest peacefully on the streets.
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CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who began his own indefinite hunger strike, claimed “goons” attempted to attack Wangchuk and warned that the government would be responsible if anything happened to him.
Government/Police Action
Delhi Police acted on medical concerns and court orders, shifting Wangchuk amid reports of significant weight loss (nearly 20% of body weight) and risks to kidney function. Hospital bulletins indicated he remains conscious but is refusing IV fluids and medication without family and personal doctor consent.
Authorities faced minor resistance from supporters, and heavy security was deployed at the site. No detailed official government statement from the Education Ministry was immediately available, but the action aligns with efforts to address health risks during the prolonged protest.
Political Reactions
Opposition leaders widely criticised the move as undemocratic:
- Rahul Gandhi (Congress): “The removal of Sonam Wangchuk ji from Jantar Mantar while he was on a non-violent hunger strike is wrong.” He described the Modi government’s core tenets as “asatya, hinsa” (untruth and violence) and reiterated demands for accountability over paper leaks.
- Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) and other leaders, including Manish Sisodia, condemned the action as “cowardice,” with Sisodia questioning the government’s response to student voices.
- Congress had earlier urged Wangchuk to end his fast while assuring continued pressure for Pradhan’s resignation.
Protesters plan a major march to Parliament on July 20, and the movement shows signs of expansion despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation. Dipke and supporters vowed to continue the sit-in.
The incident has intensified debates on democratic protest rights, youth concerns over education, and government accountability. Wangchuk’s message from detention emphasised: “My hunger strike is still on! We will not stop our movement till we achieve our goals.”
This remains a developing story with potential implications for the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
