Key Highlights

• A viral video shows activist Sonam Wangchuk confronting a police officer while leaving Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.
• Safdarjung Hospital said the footage was recorded before it received the Delhi High Court's written order allowing Wangchuk's transfer.
• The hospital stated that Wangchuk was shifted to Medanta Hospital immediately after the written court order was received.
• Wangchuk alleged he was being unnecessarily prevented from leaving, while his wife accused police personnel of harassment.
• The activist has since ended his hunger strike after government assurances on education reforms and protection for student protesters.

Viral Hospital Video Draws Public Attention

A video showing activist Sonam Wangchuk confronting a police officer inside Safdarjung Hospital has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread discussion about the circumstances surrounding his stay at the government-run medical facility.

The footage, recorded on July 21, shows Wangchuk attempting to leave the hospital while questioning police personnel who appeared to stop him.

In the video, Wangchuk says:

"Ask them to arrest me. I am a free citizen."

He also accuses authorities of harassment and says he had been kept inside the hospital despite being on the 24th day of his hunger strike.

Safdarjung Hospital Explains the Sequence of Events

Following the circulation of the video, Safdarjung Hospital issued a clarification stating that the incident occurred before the hospital administration received the Delhi High Court's written order regarding Wangchuk's transfer.

According to the hospital:

• The video was recorded in a designated "no videography" zone.
• Wangchuk sought to leave the hospital based on media reports about the High Court's decision.
• At that point, the hospital had not yet received the official written order.
• Once the written order arrived, Wangchuk was handed over to a medical team from Medanta Hospital for transfer.

The hospital said its actions were guided by the formal judicial order rather than media reports.

What the Viral Video Shows

The video captures Wangchuk walking through a hospital corridor accompanied by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who is seen carrying his belongings.

A police officer appears to stop him from leaving.

During the exchange:

• Wangchuk accuses police of harassment.
• He says he is being kept inside the hospital without justification.
• His wife questions the conduct of police personnel and asks whether they had been instructed to behave in such a manner.

The video ends with Wangchuk continuing toward the hospital exit.

Delhi High Court Ordered Transfer to Hospital of Choice

On July 21, the Delhi High Court directed that Wangchuk be shifted to a hospital of his choice after his wife approached the court.

The order followed concerns raised by Wangchuk, who alleged in a letter that he was under continuous police surveillance while receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.

Following the court's written directions, Wangchuk was transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

Hunger Strike and Medical Treatment

Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of demands related to examination reforms and accountability over alleged paper leak cases.

According to reports, he lost more than 11 kilograms during the fast.

He has continued to receive medical treatment at Medanta following his transfer.

Wangchuk later announced the end of his hunger strike after the government assured him of education reforms and stated that no action would be taken against student protesters participating in the demonstrations.

Wife Raises Concerns Over Continued Police Presence

Despite the transfer, Wangchuk's wife Gitanjali Angmo alleged that police personnel continued to maintain a significant presence around his hospital room.

In posts on social media, she claimed officers were stationed:

• At the hospital entrance.
• Near the reception.
• Outside the ICU.
• Around Wangchuk's room.

She questioned the legal basis for the continued deployment if, according to the High Court's observations, Wangchuk was not under detention.

These claims have been made by Wangchuk's family. Authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Why the Incident Matters

The viral video has intensified public discussion over the balance between patient rights, police responsibilities and compliance with judicial orders.

While Wangchuk and his family allege unnecessary restrictions during his hospital stay, Safdarjung Hospital maintains that it acted only until it received the High Court's official written order.

The differing accounts have kept the issue in the public spotlight, even after Wangchuk ended his hunger strike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Sonam Wangchuk's hospital video go viral?

The video shows Wangchuk confronting a police officer at Safdarjung Hospital while attempting to leave, saying he was being unnecessarily prevented from doing so.

What clarification did Safdarjung Hospital issue?

The hospital stated that the video was recorded before it received the Delhi High Court's written order directing Wangchuk's transfer to another hospital.

Why was Wangchuk transferred to Medanta?

The Delhi High Court directed that he be shifted to a hospital of his choice after concerns were raised regarding his treatment and alleged surveillance.

Did Sonam Wangchuk end his hunger strike?

Yes. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving government assurances regarding education reforms and protection for student protesters.

What has Wangchuk's wife alleged?

She has claimed that police maintained constant surveillance around Wangchuk during his hospitalization and questioned the legal basis for the deployment. Authorities have not publicly responded to these specific claims.

Is the matter closed?

While Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, public discussion continues regarding the viral video, hospital procedures and the allegations made by both sides.