Sonam Wangchuk was taken to VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning after completing 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the move was made following Delhi High Court directions and doctors’ advice because of concerns over his worsening health. During the operation, police also detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, while students alleged they were lathi-charged as they tried to stop the police action. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has since been deployed at Jantar Mantar. Despite these developments, organisers say the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 will go ahead as planned. Here’s everything that has happened so far.
Hospital officials said Wangchuk is conscious and his vital signs are stable. He has been surviving only on salt and water since late June, has lost more than 9 kg, and doctors say he has entered the third stage of prolonged fasting, where there is a risk of organ damage. The Delhi High Court had earlier directed authorities to monitor his health daily.
What Was Wangchuk’s Health Like Before He Was Hospitalised?
On Friday morning, Wangchuk showed signs of mild dehydration and weighed 56.55 kg, about 350 grams less than the previous day. His blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 70 mg/dL, and pulse 72 beats per minute. Doctors said he had entered the third stage of prolonged fasting, where there is a risk of organ damage. Earlier, the Union Health Ministry had asked RML Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College to monitor the health of Wangchuk and other fasting protesters twice a day.
What Happened At Jantar Mantar During The Police Action?
After shifting Wangchuk to the hospital, Delhi Police asked all protesters to peacefully leave Jantar Mantar. According to CJP leaders, police put up curtains around the protest stage before removing Wangchuk. They also alleged that students who tried to form a human chain around other fasting protesters were lathi-charged. A large number of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have now been deployed, and security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar with barricades.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained by Delhi Police around the same time Wangchuk was taken to the hospital. In posts on X, Dipke claimed he was beaten before being taken into custody, but Delhi Police has not officially responded to these allegations. His detention has added to the uncertainty ahead of the planned Parliament march.
Will The ‘Chalo Sansad’ March Still Take Place?
Organisers have said the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march to Parliament will go ahead on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session. Before being hospitalised, Wangchuk urged people to join the march peacefully. The protest is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG and other competitive exams, a judicial probe into the alleged exam scams, and reforms to India’s examination system.Â
Also Read:Â Delhi Police Take Sonam Wangchuk To Hospital On Day 21 Of Hunger Strike; Chaos Erupts At Jantar Mantar
