New Delhi: After 20 days on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning as a heavy police deployment surrounded the protest site, PTI reported.
The move came a day after Anurag Kumar assumed charge as the Delhi Police Commissioner.
A short disturbance broke out at Jantar Mantar when some of Wangchuk’s supporters tried to stop authorities from moving him.
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court and on medical advice because his health had worsened.
In a post on X, DCP New Delhi said protesters attempted to block the move, resulting in a “slight commotion”. He added that police showed restraint and carried out the evacuation safely.
“While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued, however police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely,” the DCP said.
Authorities appealed to those at Jantar Mantar to leave the site peacefully.
Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 as part of a demonstration led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) that has highlighted alleged irregularities in competitive exams such as NEET and demanded the education minister’s resignation and greater governmental accountability.
Supporters had raised alarms about his condition after doctors noted significant weight loss and warned the prolonged fast had reached a critical stage. A medical bulletin on Friday said Wangchuk had lost about 350 grams in 24 hours, reducing his weight to 56.55 kg.
The Delhi High Court had previously directed authorities to ensure his health was monitored regularly, noting the seriousness of his condition.
Despite being taken to hospital, Wangchuk urged his supporters to join a planned march to Parliament on July 20, saying he wanted the government to heed the protesters’ demands rather than have him end the fast without a response.
