New Delhi: Social activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The police action, carried out following medical advice and under the supervision of health officials, sparked emotional scenes at the protest site and led to fresh political reactions as supporters vowed to continue the movement.
Wangchuk had begun his fast on June 28 in support of the Citizens for Justice and Peace movement, which has been demanding accountability over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest attracted students, parents, education activists and members of civil society from different parts of the country, turning Jantar Mantar into the centre of a growing public campaign.
According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk's health had deteriorated significantly after three weeks without food. Officials said doctors monitoring him advised immediate hospitalisation, prompting police to intervene. He was shifted to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, where doctors said he was stable but required continuous medical observation.
The Delhi High Court had earlier directed authorities to keep a close watch on Wangchuk's health and ensure that necessary medical care was provided if his condition worsened. Police maintained that their action was aimed solely at protecting his life and complying with medical recommendations.
However, the manner in which Wangchuk was removed from the protest site drew criticism from his supporters and family members. His wife questioned why he was taken away without his consent and said he had remained committed to continuing the fast peacefully. Supporters also alleged that police used unnecessary force while clearing the protest site and briefly created confusion over his whereabouts before confirming that he had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
Videos shared on social media showed a heavy police presence at Jantar Mantar as officers removed barricades and dispersed protesters. Many demonstrators raised slogans and attempted to prevent Wangchuk from being taken away, but police completed the operation without major violence.
Soon after Wangchuk was hospitalised, Citizens for Justice and Peace founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would continue the agitation by beginning his own indefinite hunger strike. Addressing supporters, Dipke said the movement was larger than any one individual and would continue until the demands of students and the organisation were addressed. He became emotional while speaking and said peaceful protests should not be treated as a threat.
The incident quickly triggered political reactions from across the country. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Central Government over the police action, accusing it of suppressing peaceful democratic protests instead of engaging in dialogue. Several opposition leaders also questioned the decision to remove Wangchuk while negotiations with protesters had not reached a conclusion.
Student organisations and civil society groups expressed concern over the developments and organised demonstrations in support of Wangchuk. Some groups formed human chains near Jantar Mantar before being dispersed by police. Protest organisers said they would continue their campaign through peaceful means, including public meetings and awareness programmes in the coming days.
Doctors treating Wangchuk said his condition remained stable after admission, but they stressed that prolonged fasting had placed considerable strain on his body. Medical teams are continuing to monitor his vital signs and overall health while deciding on further treatment.
Despite Wangchuk's hospitalisation, organisers made it clear that the movement would not end. They announced plans to continue the campaign under new leadership and intensify public outreach to keep attention focused on their demands. The developments have once again brought national attention to the issues surrounding the alleged examination paper leak and the right to peaceful protest, with the coming days expected to see further political debate and public demonstrations across the country.