Delhi Police on Saturday morning removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar in a swift operation that lasted only a few minutes. Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite fast for 20 days, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following concerns over his deteriorating health.

Visuals from the protest site showed a coordinated operation involving both uniformed and plainclothes police personnel. Officers formed a human chain around the stage to keep protesters at a distance while another team moved directly toward Wangchuk.

Police personnel then used white bedsheets to shield the activist from public view before lifting him from his bed and carrying him to a waiting ambulance. The entire operation was completed within minutes despite brief resistance from some protesters.

The hunger strike began on June 28 as part of a campaign seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a judicial inquiry into examination-related irregularities, and broader reforms in the country’s examination system. Wangchuk was also expected to participate in a march to Parliament during the Monsoon Session.

Organisers alleged that the activist was forcibly removed from the protest venue. Campaign founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed police used excessive force during the operation and alleged that Wangchuk was dragged away despite his fragile condition after nearly three weeks without food.

Dipke also alleged that he was assaulted while attempting to reach the protest site after learning about the police action. Protest organisers strongly criticised the operation, calling it unnecessary and excessive.

Delhi Police, however, maintained that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice. According to the police, doctors had recommended immediate medical intervention due to the activist’s declining health.

In an official statement, police said some protesters attempted to obstruct the operation, leading to a brief commotion. However, officers exercised restraint and safely completed the transfer before requesting protesters to vacate the protest site peacefully.

Hospital sources later confirmed that Wangchuk was admitted to the emergency ward at Safdarjung Hospital. They said he remained conscious and his vital signs were stable.

The police action followed a recent Delhi High Court order directing authorities to ensure that Wangchuk received all necessary medical care. The court had instructed doctors to conduct daily health assessments and intervene whenever required, observing that every citizen’s life is valuable.

According to doctors monitoring his health, Wangchuk had lost more than nine kilograms during the hunger strike. The activist had also stated that he had lost nearly 20 percent of his body weight since beginning the fast.

FAQs

1. Why did Delhi Police remove Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar?
Police said he was shifted to hospital following medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court.

2. How long had Sonam Wangchuk been on a hunger strike?
He had been on an indefinite hunger strike for around 20 days.

3. Where was Wangchuk taken after the protest?
He was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi.

4. How did the police carry out the operation?
Police formed a human chain, surrounded Wangchuk with white bedsheets, and carried him to an ambulance.

5. What were the protesters demanding?
They sought education reforms, a judicial probe into examination irregularities, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

6. What did the organisers allege?
They claimed Wangchuk was forcibly removed and accused police of using excessive force.

7. What did the Delhi High Court direct?
The court ordered daily medical monitoring and instructed authorities to provide necessary medical treatment whenever required.

8. What is Sonam Wangchuk’s health condition?
Hospital sources said he is conscious, his vital signs are stable, and he is receiving medical care.