Campus Times | Lucknow

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after completing 20 days on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the move was carried out in compliance with a Delhi High Court order and on medical advice due to concerns over his health.

Police personnel reached the protest site in the morning, deployed security, and escorted the 59 year old activist to the hospital. Officials said the operation was conducted peacefully with maximum restraint, despite brief protests and sloganeering by demonstrators.

Sources said Wangchuk is conscious and his vital parameters are stable. Safdarjung Hospital confirmed that he has been admitted to the emergency ward for medical supervision.

Supporters allege force, police deny charges

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the protest, alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly removed and that several supporters were manhandled during the operation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed he was detained and announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike in protest.

Delhi Police rejected allegations of a lathi charge, maintaining that the transfer was carried out solely on medical grounds and in accordance with court directions.

Background of the protest

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability from the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak. The protest was also set to culminate in a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.

A day before his hospitalisation, CJP had alleged that unidentified individuals attempted to disrupt the protest and targeted Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, although he was not injured. Several opposition parties have extended support to the activists ongoing agitation.