Protest – Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital as Family Seeks Consent for Treatment
Protest – Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike has entered a critical phase after health concerns prompted authorities to move him to a government hospital in Delhi.
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, arrived at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after the environmental activist was moved there from his protest site by Delhi Police. Authorities said the decision was taken following medical advice and concerns over his deteriorating health during his prolonged indefinite fast. Soon after reaching the hospital, Gitanjali appealed that no medicines, food, fluids, or any medical intervention should be administered to Wangchuk without the consent of his family and the doctors who have been supervising his condition over the past several weeks.
Wife Appeals for Medical Consent
In a message shared on social media, Gitanjali stated that Wangchuk had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital and requested that doctors refrain from providing oral or intravenous treatment unless approval was obtained from her, other family members, and the medical professionals already monitoring his health. She maintained that decisions regarding his treatment should involve those familiar with his ongoing medical condition.
Hunger Strike Reaches a Critical Stage
Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi for nearly three weeks. According to his medical team, the activist has entered the third stage of prolonged fasting, a period when vital organs may begin to experience serious stress. Doctors monitoring him reported signs of mild dehydration along with a significant reduction in body weight.
Medical assessments indicated that Wangchuk’s weight had fallen to approximately 56.55 kilograms after losing around nine kilograms during the protest. His blood pressure was recorded at 108/66 mmHg, blood sugar at 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate at 72 beats per minute. Health experts had expressed concern that continuing the fast without medical supervision could increase the risk of complications.
Family’s Earlier Efforts to End the Fast
A day before he was shifted to hospital, Gitanjali had visited the protest venue at Jantar Mantar in an effort to persuade Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. She reportedly urged him to consider his declining health and discontinue the protest.
However, Wangchuk chose to continue, describing the hunger strike as a reflection of his determination and commitment to his cause. His decision came despite repeated appeals from family members and growing concern among supporters over his physical condition.
Dispute Over Police Action
The operation to move Wangchuk from the protest site sparked sharp reactions from several supporters. Some protesters alleged that police removed the activist against his wishes while he was in a weakened state after nearly 21 days without food.
Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that Wangchuk was forcibly taken despite his fragile health. He further alleged that he was assaulted while attempting to approach the protest site. Party spokesperson Saurav Das also accused police of detaining activists and using force against students present during the operation.
Delhi Police Reject Allegations
Delhi Police denied all allegations of excessive force during the operation. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma stated that Wangchuk was shifted strictly in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions and based on medical advice regarding his worsening health.
Sharma said there was no lathi charge and no protesters were detained during the process. He maintained that the decision to move Wangchuk to a government hospital was taken solely to ensure he received appropriate medical care while his health remained under close observation.