Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in south Delhi on Saturday morning after completing 20 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where he has been protesting for various demands. The move came amid heavy police deployment at the protest site and a day after Anurag Kumar assumed office as the Delhi Police Commissioner.
The transfer triggered a brief commotion as some supporters tried to stop police from taking Wangchuk to the hospital. According to Delhi Police, the action was taken in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts due to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health condition.
In a post on X, the Delhi Police Commissioner said, “As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and carried out the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”
Police also appealed to the demonstrators to end the protest peacefully and vacate the site at the earliest.
Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day on Saturday and has attracted support from several civil society organisations and activists across the country.
Meanwhile, Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, alleged during an Instagram Live session that Delhi Police had prevented him from leaving a friend’s residence. He claimed he had effectively been placed under house arrest, showing the housing society’s locked gate and a police personnel stationed outside.
Earlier in the day, some protesters claimed on social media that there had been an attempt to attack Wangchuk. However, there was no official confirmation of any assault or injuries, and authorities did not report any serious harm to the activist.