Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi | July 18 : Social activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on Saturday morning after his health reportedly deteriorated during his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk, who had been fasting for 21 days, was taken from the protest site to the government hospital's emergency department, where doctors said his condition is currently stable.

The police action came early on Saturday as concerns grew over Wangchuk's health after nearly three weeks without food. Along with Wangchuk, several protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar were also removed from the demonstration site as authorities moved to clear the area.

Just a day earlier, Wangchuk had announced that he intended to continue his hunger strike until July 20, reaffirming his determination to press ahead with the protest despite his declining health.

The hunger strike was launched to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak controversy. Wangchuk and his supporters have accused the government of failing to ensure transparency and accountability in the conduct of one of the country's most important entrance examinations.

Following his transfer, Wangchuk was admitted to the emergency department of Safdarjung Hospital, where he is currently under close medical supervision. Hospital authorities confirmed that his condition remains stable and that doctors are continuously monitoring his health.

New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma said the decision to shift Wangchuk was taken in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court and based on his medical condition and the advice of attending doctors.

Sharma, "In compliance with the High Court's directions and considering his health condition as well as medical advice, Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to an appropriate government hospital for essential medical treatment. He is currently under the supervision of doctors."

The DCP also appealed to the protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully at the earliest, stating that the administration was acting in accordance with legal and medical requirements.

The police action has drawn strong criticism from Wangchuk's supporters. Abhijit Deep, founder-president of the political outfit 'Cockroach Janata Party', alleged that the activist was forcibly removed from the protest site by police personnel.

Deep claimed that police officers arrived at around 7 a.m. and dragged Wangchuk away while allegedly using abusive language. He alleged that despite Wangchuk being a 60-year-old man who had been on a continuous hunger strike for 20 days without consuming food, he was forcibly taken away by Delhi Police.

Deep further claimed that the protesters were initially unaware of Wangchuk's whereabouts after he was removed from Jantar Mantar. He also alleged that when he was travelling from a friend's residence to the protest venue after receiving information about the police action, he too was assaulted by police personnel. These allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from Delhi Police regarding the specific claims made by Deep.

The removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar has intensified attention on the ongoing protest and the broader political controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak case. While Wangchuk remains under medical observation, the incident is expected to fuel further debate over the handling of peaceful protests and the government's response to demands for accountability in the examination system.