Sonam Wangchuk – Family Seeks Consent as Activist Remains Under Medical Care
Sonam Wangchuk – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after concerns over his health during a prolonged hunger strike, with his family urging that any medical treatment be provided only after obtaining their consent and in consultation with doctors who have been overseeing his condition.
The wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Gitanjali J. Angmo, appealed on Saturday to doctors at Safdarjung Hospital to avoid administering any oral medication or intravenous treatment without first consulting her, other family members, and the medical professionals who had been monitoring Wangchuk throughout his 20-day fast. She shared the request through a post on social media shortly after his admission to the government hospital.
Family Raises Concerns Over Medical Decisions
In her statement, Angmo said she had reached Safdarjung Hospital following Wangchuk’s transfer and requested that all treatment decisions involving medication or fluids be made only after discussions with the family and the doctors familiar with his medical condition over the past several weeks. Her appeal came as supporters continued to closely follow developments surrounding the activist’s health.
Hospital sources indicated that Wangchuk was conscious after being admitted. His vital signs were reported to be stable, and he was placed under observation in the emergency ward where doctors continued to monitor his condition.
Police Cite Court Order Behind Hospital Transfer
Earlier on Saturday, Delhi Police moved Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital. Authorities stated that the decision was taken in accordance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice after his health reportedly worsened during the hunger strike.
In a statement released on social media, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said the transfer was carried out to ensure essential medical treatment. Police also stated that while implementing the court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief commotion. According to officials, personnel exercised restraint and completed the transfer without major incident.
Later, DCP Sachin Sharma told reporters that Wangchuk had been admitted to an appropriate government medical facility where he would remain under continuous medical supervision.
Protest Site Cleared After Hospitalisation
Following Wangchuk’s transfer, security personnel cleared the protest site at Jantar Mantar. A large police presence remained in the area as demonstrators were directed to vacate the location. The development marked a significant escalation after weeks of peaceful demonstrations linked to Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike.
Opposition Questions Police Action
The police operation triggered criticism from several Opposition leaders. Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, including Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj, accused the government of acting against peaceful protesters. Similar concerns were expressed by Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, who questioned the handling of the protest.
Separately, Abhijeet Dipke, founding president of the Cockroach Janta Party, alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest venue and claimed he was assaulted while attempting to reach the site. The party’s chief spokesperson, Saurav Das, also alleged that police stopped Dipke and used force against students present during the demonstration. There was no immediate official response from Delhi Police regarding these allegations.
Background of the Hunger Strike
Wangchuk has been observing a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy. He and his supporters had also announced plans to march towards Parliament on July 20 to press for their demands.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis throughout the hunger strike. The court observed that every citizen’s life is valuable and instructed government authorities to ensure necessary medical intervention whenever recommended by government doctors.