NEET – Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised After Health Worsens During Hunger Strike
NEET – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to a hospital early Saturday after his health condition declined following a 20-day hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The decision was taken in accordance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and after doctors advised immediate medical treatment because of concerns about his deteriorating condition.
Police Shift Activist Following Medical Advice
Police officers arrived at the protest venue during the morning and escorted Wangchuk to a hospital despite resistance from demonstrators gathered at the site. Supporters raised slogans as the transfer took place, while activists associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading the protest campaign, objected to the move. The organisation has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination and has also been calling for broader reforms in the education sector.
Delhi Police Cite Court Directions
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said the hospitalisation followed the Delhi High Court’s instructions and recommendations from medical experts. According to the police, Wangchuk required urgent medical care because of his declining health. The statement also noted that some protesters attempted to obstruct the transfer, leading to a brief disturbance. However, officials said the operation was completed safely while maintaining restraint. Police further appealed to those assembled at Jantar Mantar to leave the protest site peacefully.
High Court Monitoring Health Situation
The hospital transfer came shortly before a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court concerning Wangchuk’s health. Earlier in the week, the court had directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of the activist and submit regular updates on his condition. During the proceedings, the court observed that every citizen’s life is valuable and instructed the Central government to ensure that all necessary medical assistance is provided to protect his well-being throughout the protest.
Doctors Warned of Serious Health Risks
Medical professionals supervising Wangchuk’s condition had expressed growing concern on Friday, describing the situation as a medical emergency. Doctors warned that continuing the indefinite fast could increase the risk of organ failure if immediate intervention was not provided. Regular health bulletins released over the past several days indicated that the 59-year-old activist had experienced continuous physical decline and had lost more than eight kilograms since beginning his fast.
Protest Focused on NEET Controversy
Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination process. The demonstration at Jantar Mantar has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, an online satirical movement that says it is seeking greater transparency, accountability, and long-term reforms in India’s education system in addition to action over the examination controversy.
Political Leaders Extend Support
In recent days, several Opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at the protest venue to express solidarity and urge him to reconsider continuing the fast because of his worsening health. Among those who met him were Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal. Each appealed to the activist to prioritise his health while continuing to pursue his demands through democratic means.
Protest Plans Continue
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, organisers have indicated that their campaign will continue. Protesters have announced plans to hold a march towards Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The organisers have also appealed to political parties from across the political spectrum to participate in the demonstration and support their demands for accountability in the examination system and wider education reforms.