Sonam Wangchuk removed from protest site, taken to govt hospital on Day 21 of hunger strike, say Delhi Police
PTC News Desk: In a significant development, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been sitting on a hunger strike for last 20 days was removed from the protest site on Saturday and has been reportedly taken to the hospital.
Meanwhile Sonam Wangchuk's location where he is being taken has not been disclosed yet.
Delhi Police arrived at the site on Saturday morning and and shifted Wangchuk to hospital amid protests and sloganeering by the Cockroach Janata Party activists who have been spearheading the protest against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
#WATCH | Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was sitting on a hunger strike from last 20 days at Jantar Mantar, taken to the hospital by the police.
More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/81DTO3cyh4 — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026
As soon as the police arrived at the spot, it began making announcements that the action is being taken on the directions of Delhi High Court in view of failing health of Sonam Wangchuk. The police has also to the protesters to maintain peace.
"As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care...Police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest," a Delhi Police order stated.
DCP New Delhi tweets, "As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care...Police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We… pic.twitter.com/bJYJcYl1uj — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026
Action ahead of high court hearing
Notably, the police action came ahead of the hearing in Delhi High Court over petition seeking force feeding to Wangchuk over his deteriorating health. A Bench hearing the petition earlier directed the concerned authorities to regularly monitor his health and necessary medical intervention, observing that "life of any citizen is precious".
Daily medical bulletins had raised concerns over Sonam Wangchuk's health. A medical update two days ago had said that the activist had lost over 8 kilos and his health was deteriorating.
The 59-year-old has been observing a hunger strike for last 20 days demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk began his protest in support of Cockroach Janata Party, which is spearheading the agitation against Pradhan.
Opposition comes in support
In the last few days, several Opposition leaders visited Sonam Wangchuk at the protest site to support his cause and requested him to end his hunger strike because of his declining health. Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal were among those who met him and appealed to him to stop fasting.
The protesters have also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session, and have invited political parties to join them.
Meanwhile, a separate protest is being held at Jantar Mantar by the online satirical group Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is demanding reforms in India's education system.
Protest over NEET paper leaks
Led by its founder Abhijeet Dipke, the group's main demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. The protesters say Pradhan should accept moral responsibility and step down.
However, Pradhan has refused to resign. In an interview with NDTV, he described the CJP and its supporters as the "B-team of disruptive elements" and claimed they do not believe in the country's progress.
- PTC NEWS
