Delhi Police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site and shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, 2026 [1].
The incident marks a critical escalation in the Chalo Jantar Mantar protests, as the government intervenes in the health status of a high-profile activist during a public demonstration.
Police said the action followed a directive from the High Court and expert medical advice. The decision was based on the deteriorating health of Wangchuk, who had been on a prolonged hunger strike [2].
"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," Delhi Police said [2].
The duration of the hunger strike has been reported between 20 [3] and 21 days [4]. The police action on Saturday morning led to commotion and chaos at the protest site [5].
Other protesters were also removed from the area during the operation. Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, said, "I've been beaten up, detained" [3].
Reports from the scene described the atmosphere as chaotic as officers moved Wangchuk from the site to the medical facility [5]. The police said the move was necessary to ensure the activist received essential medical care due to his physical condition [2].
“"As per orders of Hon'ble High Court and on expert medical advise... he has been shifted to the hospital"”
The removal of Sonam Wangchuk by state authorities highlights the tension between the right to protest through hunger strikes and the state's legal obligation to preserve life. By citing a High Court order, the Delhi Police have framed the intervention as a legal and medical necessity rather than a political crackdown, though the reports of detained protesters suggest a broader effort to clear the Jantar Mantar site.
