Delhi police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site and took him to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday [1].
The incident marks a critical escalation in a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a NEET paper-leak scandal. The removal of a high-profile activist during a prolonged fast often signals a shift in government strategy to manage public unrest and health risks.
Wangchuk was on the 21st day of his hunger strike when the transfer occurred [1]. The move sparked chaotic scenes at the protest site as supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alleged that the activist was forcibly hospitalized [1].
"The action was taken following High Court directions and medical advice," a Delhi Police spokesperson said [4].
However, CJP leaders disputed this account, describing the event as a police crackdown intended to suppress the movement. Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the CJP, said police might evict protesters overnight at Jantar Mantar [3].
Family members of the activist have expressed concern over his treatment. Geetanjali J. Angmo, the wife of Wangchuk, said, "No medicine or fluids should be administered orally or intravenously without the consent of Wangchuk, his family, and the doctors monitoring his health" [2].
Reports on the timeline of the protest have varied. While the removal occurred on day 21 [1], earlier reports from The Hindu noted the protest had reached day 11 on June 30 [2].
The activist remains at Safdarjung Hospital as supporters continue to monitor the situation at Jantar Mantar.
“"The action was taken following High Court directions and medical advice."”
The forced hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk highlights the tension between state mandates for public health and the right to political protest. By citing High Court directions, the Delhi police provide a legal shield for the removal, but the allegation of a 'crackdown' by the CJP suggests that the government is eager to dismantle the physical presence of the protest at Jantar Mantar to diminish the visibility of the NEET scandal grievances.
