Play store
New Delhi: Indian police on Saturday forcibly removed environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike site in New Delhi and admitted him to hospital after he fasted for 20 days.
Protest organisers, however, vowed to continue the movement.
The 59-year-old had been observing the indefinite fast in support of the satirical online campaign Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is demanding accountability over alleged irregularities and question paper leaks in national examinations. Protesters also plan to march to Parliament on Monday.
Wangchuk had survived on only water and salt during the fast, losing more than nine kilograms. Videos from the protest site at Jantar Mantar showed police removing demonstrators before carrying Wangchuk to an ambulance.
His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, later said on X that he had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, urging doctors not to administer any medication or fluids without the family’s consent.
Hospital authorities said Wangchuk was conscious and in stable condition but was suffering from weakness and mild dehydration due to the prolonged fast.
Delhi Police said he was shifted to hospital following medical advice and in line with directions from the Delhi High Court, which had earlier asked authorities to monitor his health and ensure treatment if necessary.
Following his removal, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike, saying the protest would continue as planned.
The movement, launched in May over alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities, initially demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Protest leaders have now expanded their demands to include Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation, accusing the government of ignoring their concerns.
Opposition leaders condemned Wangchuk’s removal, describing it as an assault on democracy and an act of state coercion.
