How Delhi Police Removed Sonam Wangchuk From Jantar Mantar Protest Amid Hunger Strike

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from his hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning following a coordinated operation by Delhi Police.

The police said the action was taken in compliance with Delhi High Court directions and based on expert medical advice due to Wangchuk's deteriorating health. However, organisers of the protest alleged that the activist was forcibly removed from the site.

The incident occurred after Wangchuk had completed nearly 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike.

How the Police Operation Unfolded

According to visuals from the protest site, the operation began shortly after 7 am.

Police personnel in both uniform and plain clothes entered the protest venue while another group formed a human chain around the stage to prevent supporters from intervening.

Officers then surrounded Wangchuk using white bedsheets, shielding him from public view and television cameras before lifting him from his bed using another sheet.

Within minutes, he was carried to a waiting ambulance and transported to Safdarjung Hospital.

A brief scuffle reportedly broke out as some protesters attempted to stop the operation.

Police Cite High Court Directions

Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted solely to ensure necessary medical treatment after receiving medical advice.

In an official statement, the police said the action was taken in compliance with the Delhi High Court's directions regarding Wangchuk's health.

According to the police, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, resulting in a minor commotion. Authorities maintained that officers exercised maximum restraint during the operation and urged demonstrators to vacate the protest site peacefully.

Organisers Allege Use of Force

Organisers of the protest disputed the police's version of events.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that Wangchuk, who had been fasting for nearly three weeks, was forcibly dragged away by police personnel.

Dipke also claimed he was assaulted while attempting to reach the protest site after learning about the operation.

Another CJP leader, Saurav Das, shared videos of the incident on social media, alleging that Delhi Police had forcibly removed the activist.

The police have not commented on the allegations of assault.

Delhi High Court's Earlier Order

The police action came two days after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to ensure that Sonam Wangchuk receives any medical intervention considered necessary by doctors monitoring his health.

Hearing a petition regarding his medical condition, a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia ordered daily medical examinations and instructed authorities to intervene whenever medically required.

The Bench observed that "the life of any citizen is precious."

Wangchuk's Health Condition

According to hospital sources, Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to the emergency ward at Safdarjung Hospital.

Officials said he remained conscious and his vital signs were stable after admission.

Doctors monitoring his health had earlier stated that he had lost more than 9 kilograms during the hunger strike, while Wangchuk himself said he had lost nearly 20% of his body weight since beginning the fast.

Background of the Protest

Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 as part of a campaign led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The protest demands include:

• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
• A judicial probe into alleged examination irregularities
• Wider reforms in India's examination system

The activist was also scheduled to participate in a march to Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

Key Highlights

• Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital.
• Police formed a human chain and used white bedsheets during the operation.
• Authorities said the move followed Delhi High Court directions and medical advice.
• Protest organisers alleged Wangchuk was forcibly removed.
• Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike for nearly 21 days.
• Hospital sources said he was conscious and his condition was stable.

FAQs

Why was Sonam Wangchuk removed from Jantar Mantar?

Delhi Police said he was shifted to hospital following Delhi High Court directions and medical advice due to his deteriorating health.

Where was Sonam Wangchuk taken?

He was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi.

What did the protest organisers allege?

Organisers claimed Wangchuk was forcibly removed and accused police of using excessive force during the operation.

What was Sonam Wangchuk protesting against?

His hunger strike was part of a campaign demanding a judicial probe into examination irregularities, reforms in the examination system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

What is Sonam Wangchuk's health condition?

According to hospital sources, he is conscious, his vital signs are stable, and he is receiving medical care.