Delhi police took activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on July 18, 2026 [3], ending his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar [2].
The intervention marks a critical escalation in the protest led by the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party. As Wangchuk's physical condition declined, the state shifted from monitoring the demonstration to active medical intervention, signaling a legal and health-based priority over the activist's right to fast.
Wangchuk had been fasting for 20 days [1] before police intervened on the 21st day of the strike [2]. The removal occurred amidst a broader protest by students and supporters at the New Delhi site.
According to a Delhi Police spokesperson, the action followed specific legal and medical guidelines. "As per orders of the High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he was taken to the hospital," the spokesperson said [4].
Reports on the nature of the transfer varied. Some accounts stated he was taken by police [5], while other reports described the move as being forcibly carried out [6].
Following the removal of Wangchuk, authorities sought to clear the remaining demonstration. Delhi Police appealed to the protesters to end their agitation, saying they should peacefully vacate the protest site [7].
The hunger strike was part of a larger movement involving the Cockroach Janta Party and students protesting at the historic observatory site. The police action follows a period of increasing tension between the demonstrators and city officials regarding the occupation of Jantar Mantar.
“Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken to the hospital after 20 days of hunger strike.”
The hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk represents a tactical shift by the Indian government to resolve the Jantar Mantar protests through judicial and medical mandates. By citing High Court orders and deteriorating health, the state can legally terminate a high-profile hunger strike without appearing to suppress political dissent through purely punitive measures. This move effectively neutralizes the immediate leverage of the fast while placing the activist in a controlled medical environment.
