Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital on Day 21 of Hunger Strike: Delhi Police Action Sparks Outrage
Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike: Delhi Police Shifts Activist to Hospital on Day 21 Amid Deteriorating Health
New Delhi: In a dramatic development, climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday morning as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day. The move comes amid growing concerns over his rapidly declining health and just two days before a major planned march to Parliament on July 20.
According to Delhi Police, the decision followed orders from the Hon’ble High Court and expert medical advice. “As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care,” the official statement read. Police deployed heavy forces at Jantar Mantar, where a minor commotion occurred while shifting the activist, but authorities claimed maximum restraint was exercised.
Wangchuk, weighing just 56.55 kg after losing 350 grams in the last 24 hours, had blood pressure of 108/68, blood sugar at 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate of 72, as per medical updates from Dr Satish Lamba. His supporters alleged an attack at the site, with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke claiming he was assaulted during the operation.
The Ladakh-based engineer and prominent voice for climate issues and education reforms launched the hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in nationwide exams, including the NEET paper leak scandal. He and supporters vow to march to Parliament on July 20 to press their demands.
High Court Intervention
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk’s condition, emphasizing that “the life of every citizen is precious.” The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia ordered necessary medical intervention based on government doctors’ opinions.
Political Solidarity
Several opposition leaders visited the protest site on Friday, expressing strong support. Prominent figures included AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, SP MP Dimple Yadav, Congress leader Pawan Khera, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray. Thackeray slammed the Centre as the “most insensitive government” for failing to address Wangchuk’s demands.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan urged the government to initiate talks and appealed to students and parents to back the activist.
What Happens Next?
Police have appealed to protesters to peacefully vacate Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk’s fast has drawn massive national attention, highlighting deep concerns over examination integrity and democratic protest rights.
This shocking turn in the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike raises urgent questions about government response to public demands and the health risks faced by activists. Stay tuned for live updates on this fast-developing story.
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