Protest – Congress Criticises Police Action After Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital
Protest – The Congress on Saturday strongly criticised the Delhi Police after activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital, arguing that peaceful demonstrations should be safeguarded as a democratic right rather than treated as a public order issue.
The opposition party accused the BJP-led central government of undermining constitutional values through its handling of public protests. Congress leaders said the latest police action reflected a pattern in which dissent was being viewed as a security concern instead of an essential feature of a democratic system.
Congress Questions Police Response
Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to express disagreement peacefully. He alleged that the Union Home Ministry, which oversees the Delhi Police, was failing to uphold that constitutional responsibility.
Khera also referred to the recent appointment of Delhi’s new Police Commissioner, saying the events surrounding Wangchuk’s removal raised concerns about whether political directives were being given greater importance than constitutional obligations. According to him, such actions could discourage peaceful public participation in democratic processes.
He further claimed that the government had repeatedly taken a tough approach against different groups of protesters in recent years, including women wrestlers and former servicemen, and described the latest developments as another example of that trend.
Wangchuk Hospitalised After Health Worsens
The Congress leader’s remarks came after Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital early on Saturday following a deterioration in his health during the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma, the decision was taken in accordance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice after Wangchuk’s condition worsened. Police officials said he is receiving the required medical treatment.
In an official statement, Delhi Police said the activist was shifted to the hospital for essential medical care following recommendations from medical experts and in compliance with the High Court’s instructions.
Police Describe Operation as Peaceful
The police stated that while a few protesters attempted to prevent the transfer, resulting in a brief disturbance, officers exercised restraint throughout the operation and completed the process without major escalation.
Authorities also appealed to demonstrators to end their protest and vacate the Jantar Mantar site peacefully at the earliest opportunity.
Protesters Raise Allegations Against Police
Following the operation, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke alleged that protesters faced excessive police action during the hospital transfer.
In a post on X, Dipke claimed he was assaulted and briefly detained by Delhi Police after leaving the protest site to visit a friend’s residence. He later called for nationwide demonstrations against the police action.
The CJP also shared a video on social media showing Wangchuk being taken away from the protest location while covered with a white sheet. The party criticised the manner in which the activist was removed, calling it deeply concerning.
Hunger Strike Linked to NEET Protest
Sonam Wangchuk, along with three activists associated with AISA, has been observing an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the CJP-led campaign alleging irregularities in the NEET examination and raising concerns over reported student deaths linked to the controversy.
Over the past three weeks, their health has reportedly continued to decline, prompting growing medical concern. Wangchuk’s hospitalisation marks a significant development in the ongoing protest, while the political debate surrounding the police action and the right to peaceful dissent continues to intensify.