Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after his 21 day hunger strike raised serious health concerns. Police sources have now revealed how a carefully planned three-layer operation was carried out early in the morning to move him with minimal disruption.
How Did Delhi Police Plan The Operation?
According to police sources, the plan was finalised during a high-level meeting after the new Delhi Police Commissioner, Anurag Kumar, assumed charge. Senior officers decided to carry out the operation at daybreak when the number of protesters was at its lowest to avoid confrontation. Police identified a brief period when Wangchuk’s close aide, Abhijit Dipke, had stepped away from the protest site. With the stage temporarily without its main coordinator and fewer protesters present, officers considered it the best time to carry out the operation smoothly.
Around 30 to 35 plainclothes personnel from the New Delhi district’s Special Staff and local police quietly entered the barricaded protest area. Police surrounded Wangchuk’s bed and covered it from all sides using large white sheets before escorting him away from the stage. Officials said this was done to prevent crowd mobilisation and minimise any disturbance.
What Was The Three-Layer Security Plan?
The operation was carried out in three stages. The first layer involved plainclothes police officers securing the stage and safely removing Wangchuk. The second layer consisted of CRPF and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, who controlled protesters outside the barricaded area to prevent clashes. The third layer included senior Delhi Police officers, who monitored the entire operation from a control point near ambulances and police vehicles. After Wangchuk was placed inside an ambulance, traffic police cleared the route to ensure the vehicle reached Safdarjung Hospital without delay.
Shortly after Wangchuk was shifted, his aide Abhijit Dipke returned to the protest site and alleged that the activist had been removed during his absence. Dipke also announced that he would continue the protest by observing a hunger strike. Delhi Police maintained that the operation was conducted peacefully with maximum restraint and urged the remaining protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully.
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted following directions from the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts after his health deteriorated during his hunger strike. Officials said the move was necessary to ensure he received immediate medical care.
How Is Sonam Wangchuk Now?
Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk was admitted at 7:40 am on Saturday. According to the hospital, he is weak due to prolonged fasting and dehydration, but his condition is currently stable. Doctors said he requires continuous observation, monitoring and treatment to restore his body parameters.
