Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where he had been protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Delhi Police said the decision to move Wangchuk to the hospital was taken in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions and on the advice of medical experts, citing his deteriorating health condition.
According to officials, police reached the protest site early in the morning and transferred the 59-year-old activist to the hospital for immediate medical care. Hospital sources said Wangchuk was conscious and his vital signs were stable after admission.
Police Say Action Taken to Protect Activist’s Health
In an official statement, Delhi Police said the action followed the Delhi High Court’s order mandating daily medical examinations of Wangchuk.
“Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care in accordance with the orders of the Hon’ble High Court and expert medical advice due to his deteriorating health condition,” the statement said.
Police also appealed to the protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully. Officials stated that while some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, the situation was handled with restraint and without major disruption.
High Court Had Ordered Daily Health Monitoring
The police action came ahead of a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court, which had earlier directed authorities to conduct daily clinical assessments of Wangchuk’s health.
Observing that “the life of any citizen is precious,” the court instructed the Centre to ensure continuous medical monitoring and take all necessary steps to safeguard the activist’s life.
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk had reportedly warned on Friday that his condition had become critical, raising concerns about possible organ failure after more than three weeks without food. Earlier medical bulletins also indicated that he had lost over eight kilograms, with his health deteriorating steadily.
Protest Demands Education Reforms
Wangchuk joined the indefinite hunger strike in support of demands for educational reforms and accountability following the alleged NEET paper leak. Protesters have called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that he should accept moral responsibility for the controversy.
The agitation at Jantar Mantar was initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke. The group has announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, and has appealed to political parties to support the demonstration.
Opposition Leaders Express Support
In recent days, several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, visited Wangchuk at the protest site. They expressed solidarity with his demands while urging him to end his fast in view of his worsening health.
The Delhi High Court is expected to continue monitoring the matter as authorities oversee Wangchuk’s treatment.
