Clashes and protests erupt at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is removed from the protest site by Delhi Police and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. Police state that the shift is required because his health condition has deteriorated and that the action is carried out in line with High Court directions. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days, according to reports.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other protesters accuse authorities of a crackdown and question the transparency of how Wangchuk’s condition is handled, alleging the removal is forceful. Abhijeet Dipke, associated with the CJP, characterizes the police action as “kidnapping,” while protesters call for clarity and oppose the manner of removal.
Subsequently, the Delhi High Court upholds the government’s decision to move Wangchuk, according to the Times of India. The reports collectively describe both the immediate dispute over the police action at the protest site and the later judicial validation of the move.
