New Delhi, July 18: Climate and education activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with Delhi Police stating that the move was carried out under the directions of the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts.
Wangchuk, who has been on a fast since June 28, joined the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and student deaths linked to the controversy. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a judicial probe into the alleged examination scam, and comprehensive reforms in India’s examination system.
In a statement, Delhi Police said, “As per orders of the Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Shri Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care.”
The police further said that while implementing the High Court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the hospital transfer, leading to a brief commotion.
In the morning, as per directions of Hon’ble High court as well as a routine daily scheduled check up, doctors arrived for medical examination of Shri Sonam Wangchuk. There was obstructions caused by some protestors. This created some commotion also.
— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) July 18, 2026
Considering the delicate…
“While complying with the orders of the Hon’ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and carried out the operation safely,” the statement said, while appealing to protesters to vacate the Jantar Mantar protest site peacefully.
The Delhi High Court had earlier directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of Wangchuk and ensure timely medical intervention whenever required, observing that “the life of any citizen is precious.” The activist had reportedly declined hospitalisation on July 13 despite doctors raising concerns over his health.
Hours before being shifted to the hospital, Wangchuk said the prolonged fast had taken a severe physical toll on him.
“I have lost 20 per cent of my body,” he said, while reiterating his resolve to continue the agitation.
The hospitalisation, however, triggered objections from Wangchuk’s family. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, questioned the manner in which he was shifted and said, “No treatment should start without my consent.” She also raised concerns over the timing of the move.
Meanwhile, the CJP accused the police of using force against protesters during the operation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged, “Delhi Police is cracking down at Jantar Mantar. They are beating up people and taking away Sonam sir forcefully.”
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) claimed students formed a human chain to resist the police action, while CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that protesters were subjected to a lathi-charge and that Dipke was prevented from reaching the protest site. Delhi Police has not specifically responded to the allegations of a lathi-charge.
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, organisers said the proposed “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the Monsoon Session, will go ahead as scheduled.
