Activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to a hospital early on Saturday as his hunger strike entered its 21st day, just two days before the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march to Parliament. Police arrived at Jantar Mantar early in the morning and shifted Wangchuk to a hospital, triggering protests and sloganeering by Cockroach Janata Party activists, who have been leading the agitation against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Delhi Police said he was shifted for medical treatment following Delhi High Court directions and doctors advice because his health had worsened. At the same time, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained by the police, adding to tensions ahead of Monday’s planned march, which coincides with the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.Â
“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 obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued, however police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest,” the Delhi Police posted on X.
#WATCH | Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was sitting on a hunger strike from last 20 days at Jantar Mantar, taken to the hospital by the police.
More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/81DTO3cyh4
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026
Around the same time, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained by Delhi Police. In a post on X, Dipke claimed he was beaten up before being taken into custody. “I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police,” he wrote. In another post, he said, “The Delhi Police has stopped me where I was staying. People are telling me that Sonam Wangchuk is being picked up from the protest site. Students are being lathicharged!” Delhi Police has not officially responded to or confirmed Dipke’s allegations. Further details are awaited.
What Happens Next?
The Cockroach Janta Party has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. The group is also seeking a judicial investigation into the alleged exam scam and reforms in the examination system. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then, reportedly losing over 9 kg. With Wangchuk now in hospital and Dipke detained, attention has shifted to whether the planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on Monday will go ahead as scheduled.
