'Vacate Jantar Mantar': Delhi Police to protesters after taking Sonam Wangchuk into custody
New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody and shifted to hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, ending his 21-day stay at Jantar Mantar where he had been on an indefinite hunger strike. The police said the action was carried out on the directions of the Delhi High Court and based on expert medical advice after Wangchuk's health deteriorated significantly.
Delhi Police cites High Court order, medical advice
In an official statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to hospital because of his worsening health condition while complying with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Police said some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, resulting in a brief commotion, but officers exercised "maximum restraint" and completed the operation safely.
The statement added that protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar had been requested to vacate the protest site peacefully.
Health concerns prompted intervention
Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 and had earlier said he had lost nearly 20 per cent of his body weight during the fast.
In a video message released on Friday, he said his body had already exhausted its fat reserves and had begun losing muscle mass, while insisting that he remained mentally alert and committed to the protest.
Days before he was shifted to hospital, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention, stating that Wangchuk had suffered severe weight loss, repeated episodes of low blood sugar, dizziness and muscle weakness, placing his life at risk.
Why was Wangchuk protesting?
Unlike his earlier campaigns centred on Ladakh, Wangchuk's current hunger strike was part of an ongoing protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.
The protest seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, a judicial probe into alleged examination scams, and comprehensive reforms to India's examination system. Organisers have also demanded greater accountability over student welfare, citing concerns over examination-related stress and reported student suicides.
Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 in solidarity with the movement and continued fasting despite repeated concerns over his health.
Wangchuk questions government's silence
Throughout the protest, Wangchuk repeatedly accused the government of remaining silent despite his prolonged fast and the demands raised by students and protesters. In his latest video message, he questioned whether governments that had previously fallen over rising onion prices could also be held accountable over issues affecting students.
He urged supporters to participate in the proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20, saying public participation was the movement's greatest strength.
Despite the hunger strike entering its third week and concerns over Wangchuk's deteriorating health, there has been no public announcement of formal talks between the government and the protesters regarding their demands.
Protest ends at Jantar Mantar, questions remain
Wangchuk's removal from the protest site effectively ended his physical presence at the Jantar Mantar demonstration, but it remains unclear whether his hunger strike will continue under medical supervision.
With Wangchuk now hospitalised, attention is expected to shift to his medical condition and whether the Centre responds to the protesters' demands, which have so far not received an official policy response.