Delhi Police move Sonam Wangchuk to hospital after 21 days of hunger strike

New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after being removed from his indefinite hunger strike site at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police, prompting an emotional appeal from his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, who said no medical treatment should be administered without the family's consent. Wangchuk, who was scheduled to lead a protest march to Parliament on Monday, was taken to the hospital after police cited concerns over his deteriorating health following more than three weeks of fasting.Soon after reaching the hospital, Angmo issued a statement on X, requesting that doctors refrain from administering any oral or intravenous treatment without prior approval from the family and Wangchuk's medical team.I am at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi where @Wangchuk66 has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenous without take consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days.— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 18, 2026 "I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenously without taking consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days," she wrote.Delhi Police said the decision to hospitalise Wangchuk was taken in compliance with the Delhi High Court's directions and based on expert medical advice. In a statement posted on X, DCP New Delhi said, "As per orders of the 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."As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise 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…— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) July 18, 2026 The police further stated that some protesters attempted to obstruct the process while authorities were implementing the court's directions. "While complying with the orders of the Hon'ble High Court, the protesters tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and completed the exercise safely," the statement said. Police also appealed to protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site peacefully.Sonam Wangchuk Attacked At Jantar Mantar? Object Thrown At Activist Amid Hunger Strike, Claims CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been holding protests at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, a judicial probe into the alleged examination scam, and broader reforms in the country's examination system. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement until he was shifted to the hospital on Saturday.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved to a hospital after his health declined. Police stated no detentions or lathi charges occurred during the transfer. This action followed High Court orders and expert medical advice regarding his condition. Doctors alerted authorities to his worsening health early Saturday morning. Protesters were requested to peacefully vacate the Jantar Mantar site.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital on his hunger strike's 21st day. His wife forbade medical treatment without her consent, citing her rights. Police stated his hospitalization followed court orders and medical advice due to his health. Wangchuk remains determined to continue his fast for NEET examination protest. Authorities requested protesters at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the site.

Activists accuse Delhi Police of ‘kidnapping’ Wangchuk, while authorities say he has been moved to hospital in a ‘much-needed medical intervention’

In a statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted for "essential medical care" following expert medical advice and in compliance with the high court's orders

Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged nationwide examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy.