The activist was admitted to the hospital
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Jantar Mantar for 21 days over alleged screening irregularities, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital early on Saturday morning after medical experts and the Delhi High Court advised that he be admitted to hospital immediately due to deteriorating health condition, police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sanichar Sharma said: “Based on the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sheikh Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to hospital for basic medical care.”
“While complying with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the protesters attempted to create obstruction, creating minor commotion. However, the police exercised utmost restraint and conducted the exercise safely. We request the protesters at Jantar Mantar to vacate the place peacefully as soon as possible,” Sharma added.
A statement issued by Safdarjung Hospital said: “For your kind information, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. He is currently being examined by the attending doctors. An official press note will be issued soon.”
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, wrote on
According to the police, Wangchuk was taken to hospital in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court and following medical advice. The police also appealed to the protesters to end their agitation, saying: “We request the protesters at Jantar Mantar to vacate the place peacefully as soon as possible.”
The move created an uproar at the protest site, with Delhi Police allegedly arresting Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Debaki and other supporters.
A social media post later showed Debke claiming that he was “beaten and detained” by Delhi Police.
DCP Sachin Sharma denied that the police beat up Dipke or any protesters. He said they were just trying to remove Sonam Wangchuk.
Neha, one of the students on a hunger strike for 21 days, also alleged that the police tried to keep them away as well. “The police came and arrested Sonam Wangchuk, and also wanted to detain many students on hunger strike. However, many students formed a human chain and prevented the police from arresting them,” said Abhigyan Gandhi, a student activist with the All India Students Association (AISA), adding, “The students are still on hunger strike.”
Meanwhile, Debki, who led the CJP’s 29-day protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, announced that he will go on an indefinite hunger strike from today.
“The Delhi High Court has ordered that Sonam Wangchuk’s health should be monitored and no intervention should be made unless his health condition deteriorates. His health is being monitored by our medical team 2-3 times a day and he himself is posting videos on a daily basis giving an update on his health condition which has remained stable. Delhi Police has misinterpreted this court order and detained him under the guise of this order,” CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said. Detention is in contempt of court order.”
While addressing the protesters, the CJP representative said that the march to Parliament on July 20 will be carried out as planned.
These protests have been supported by students, civil society groups and many opposition leaders in recent weeks.
