Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday launched an indefinite hunger strike after educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital following a decline in his health during the 21st day of his fast.

The development comes amid conflicting accounts over Wangchuk’s hospitalisation. While Delhi Police maintained that he was shifted in compliance with a Delhi High Court order and medical advice, the CJP alleged that students protesting at Jantar Mantar were subjected to a lathicharge and that Wangchuk was taken away against his will.

Sharing the update on X, the CJP said, “Abhijeet Dipke sits on an indefinite hunger strike. The ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on 20 July will proceed as planned.”

Earlier in the day, Dipke also alleged that he had been assaulted and detained during the protest. Delhi Police rejected those claims.

Also Read | Behind white sheets: Inside Delhi Police’s early-morning operation to shift Sonam Wangchuk

Dipke and several CJP members have been at the forefront of demonstrations demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related irregularities.

Sonam Wangchuk admitted after health deteriorates

Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital after his condition reportedly worsened due to prolonged fasting.

Providing an update, the hospital said, “Mr Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted at Safdarjung Hospital for required health care. He is weak due to prolonged fasting and dehydration. Although he is currently stable, he requires continuous observation, monitoring and treatment to restore his body parameters.”

Delhi Police also said the activist was shifted for medical care following court directions.

“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,” the statement issued by DCP New Delhi said.

The police further added, “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.”

Authorities also appealed to protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to “peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”

Wangchuk’s wife urges doctors not to begin treatment without consent

Following Wangchuk’s admission, his wife Gitanjali J Angmo requested doctors not to administer any oral or intravenous treatment without prior approval from the family and his medical team.

Also Read | ‘I hold everybody accountable if anything happens’: Sonam Wangchuk’s wife opposes treatment without consent after hospitalisation

In a post on X, she wrote, “I am at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi where @Wangchuk66 has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenous without taking consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days.”

Wangchuk and the CJP have been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. The organisation has also announced that its planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, will go ahead as scheduled.

FAQs:

Why did Abhijeet Dipke begin an indefinite hunger strike?

Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike after Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised while fasting and ahead of the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.

Why was Sonam Wangchuk admitted to Safdarjung Hospital?

Sonam Wangchuk was admitted after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike due to prolonged fasting and dehydration.