Climate Protest – Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised After Hunger Strike Amid Delhi Protest
Climate Protest – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi after authorities intervened during his ongoing hunger strike, following medical advice and directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to the emergency department of Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after being taken from the Jantar Mantar protest site. Hospital sources said he remained conscious, while his vital signs were stable and he continued to receive treatment under close medical supervision. The activist had completed 20 days of fasting before being moved for medical care.
Delhi Police Remove Protesters From Jantar Mantar
Following Wangchuk’s transfer to the hospital, Delhi Police began clearing protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers as demonstrators were instructed to leave the protest venue.
According to the New Delhi Police, the action was carried out in line with the Delhi High Court’s directions and based on recommendations from medical experts who had expressed concern over Wangchuk’s declining health. Officials stated that while implementing the court’s order, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief disturbance. Police maintained that restraint was exercised and the transfer was completed safely.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma later told reporters that Wangchuk had been shifted to a government hospital to ensure immediate medical intervention and that doctors would continue monitoring his condition.
Protesters Raise Questions Over Police Action
Some participants at the protest alleged that police personnel wearing civilian clothes arrived at the site early in the morning while presenting themselves as members of a medical team. According to one protester, volunteers initially believed doctors had arrived before realising they were police officers.
The protester claimed the officers later informed those present about the High Court’s order and proceeded to take Wangchuk away despite repeated requests to wait. The individual also alleged that activist Abhijeet Dipke was detained during the operation, adding that attempts to contact him were unsuccessful afterward.
Abhijeet Dipke, Founding President of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), later posted on X alleging that he had been detained and assaulted by Delhi Police. Earlier, he had also claimed that Wangchuk had been attacked at the protest venue. Authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations.
Medical Monitoring Ordered by High Court
The hospital transfer came just two days before a planned march to Parliament scheduled for July 20 by Wangchuk and his supporters.
Medical data released on Friday indicated that Wangchuk’s weight had dropped to 56.55 kilograms, reflecting a loss of 350 grams in one day. According to Dr. Satish Lamba of the Delhi Medical Association, his blood pressure measured 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar stood at 70 mg/dL, and his pulse rate was recorded at 72 beats per minute.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court directed that Wangchuk’s health be assessed daily throughout his hunger strike. The court observed that every citizen’s life must be protected and instructed authorities to ensure that any medical treatment recommended by government doctors should be provided without delay.
The order was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia while disposing of a public interest litigation concerning Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.
Opposition Leaders Extend Support
On Friday, several Opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar to express support and enquire about his condition. Among those present were Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, SP MP Dimple Yadav, Congress leader Pawan Khera, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray.
Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer, and climate activist from Ladakh, has been leading the hunger strike while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy. His supporters have also announced plans to continue pressing their demands through the proposed Parliament march.