Delhi police removed climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site and took him to a hospital on Friday.
The incident marks a critical escalation in the public outcry over alleged nationwide examination irregularities. Wangchuk's protest targeted the integrity of the medical entrance exam system and the leadership of the education ministry.
Wangchuk had been conducting an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days [1] at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. He was transferred to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital after police intervened to remove him from the site [2].
The activist's fast was centered on allegations of a paper leak during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) [3]. He used the strike to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [3].
Reports indicate the activist had been fasting for more than 20 days [4] before his removal. The transfer to the medical facility occurred as his health deteriorated following the prolonged period without food.
Wangchuk is known for his work as an educator and climate activist. His presence at Jantar Mantar drew significant attention to the systemic issues surrounding competitive testing in India, a topic that has sparked widespread student unrest.
Police action at the site ended the physical occupation of the protest space by the activist. The transfer to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital ensures he receives medical stabilization after the 21-day period [1].
“Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the Jantar Mantar protest site by Delhi police”
The removal of Sonam Wangchuk highlights the tension between civil disobedience and state security in New Delhi. By linking a hunger strike to the NEET paper leak scandal, Wangchuk attempted to pivot a technical administrative failure into a broader demand for political accountability. His hospitalization signals the end of the immediate physical protest, but the underlying demand for the Education Minister's resignation remains a focal point for student activists across the country.
