Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday launched an indefinite hunger strike after climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following a deterioration in his health during his ongoing fast.
The development comes on the 21st day of Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike, which is being held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The protest is demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a post on X, the CJP announced that Dipke had begun his indefinite fast and confirmed that the organisation’s planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 will continue as scheduled.
Conflicting Claims Over Wangchuk’s Hospitalisation
Wangchuk’s transfer to Safdarjung Hospital triggered conflicting claims from the protest organisers and the Delhi Police.
The Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital in compliance with a Delhi High Court order and based on expert medical advice due to his deteriorating health condition.
The CJP, however, alleged that protesters were subjected to police action and claimed Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site. Police denied allegations of excessive force and maintained that the operation was carried out with restraint while implementing the court’s directions.
Earlier in the day, Dipke also claimed he had been assaulted and detained during the police action, a claim rejected by the Delhi Police.
Safdarjung Hospital Says Wangchuk Is Stable
Safdarjung Hospital stated that Wangchuk was admitted for medical care after experiencing weakness caused by prolonged fasting and dehydration.
According to the hospital, he remains stable but requires continuous observation, monitoring and treatment to restore his health parameters.
Delhi Police reiterated that Wangchuk was shifted solely for essential medical care and urged protesters at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site peacefully.
Wangchuk’s Wife Seeks Consent Before Treatment
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, appealed to doctors not to administer any oral or intravenous treatment without the consent of the family and the medical team that had been monitoring his condition over the past 20 days.
In a statement shared on social media, she said she was present at Safdarjung Hospital and requested that all medical interventions be carried out only after consulting the family and Wangchuk’s treating doctors.
Protest Over Alleged NEET-UG Irregularities Continues
The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party, centres on demands for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities. Protest organisers continue to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, the CJP has announced that its planned march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session, will go ahead as planned.
