Indian police transferred climate and social activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Saturday after 21 days [1] of hunger striking.

The move marks a critical escalation in the standoff between the activist and the federal government, as police simultaneously cleared the Jantar Mantar protest site.

Wangchuk had been fasting at the site to demand the resignation of the federal education minister. According to police and medical reports, the transfer occurred because the activist's health had deteriorated [1], [3]. The decision to move Wangchuk and clear the area followed specific directions from the Delhi High Court [1], [3].

Authorities said that the action was based on both legal mandates and urgent medical advice [1], [3]. The clearance of the protest site effectively ends the physical occupation of Jantar Mantar by Wangchuk's supporters, who had maintained a presence there for over 20 days [2].

Wangchuk is now receiving care at Safdarjung Hospital [3]. Police said the removal of the protesters was necessary to comply with the court order and ensure the activist received required medical intervention [1].

“Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital and police cleared the protest site”

The forced removal of Sonam Wangchuk and the clearance of Jantar Mantar demonstrate the Indian government's use of judicial orders to dismantle high-profile protests. By citing medical necessity and High Court directions, the state manages the optics of the activist's deteriorating health while successfully removing a disruptive political presence from the capital's center.