Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police early on Saturday after completing 20 days of a hunger strike. The protest was being held in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The police said the decision to move Wangchuk was taken on medical grounds after his health worsened and in line with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

How Delhi Police carried out the operation

According to senior Delhi Police sources, the removal was planned after a strategy meeting held following the appointment of Anurag Kumar as the new Delhi Police Commissioner. He replaced Satish Golcha, who was removed from the post before completing his tenure.

Officials reportedly chose the early morning hours because fewer protesters were present at the site. Police also identified a brief period when Wangchuk’s close associate, Abhijit Dipke, was away from the protest venue.

Also Read | Delhi Police remove Sonam Wangchuk from protest site, take him to hospital

Around 30 to 35 personnel from the New Delhi district’s Special Staff and local police, dressed in civilian clothes, entered the barricaded area. To prevent crowding and limit public visuals, officers surrounded Wangchuk’s bed and covered it with large white sheets before escorting him away.

A view of the vacant protest stage at Jantar Mantar
ZOOM IMAGE
A view of the vacant protest stage at Jantar Mantar | ANI

Reportedly, Sources said the operation was conducted in three layers. Plainclothes personnel removed Wangchuk from the stage, while CRPF and RAF teams managed protesters outside the barricades to avoid any confrontation. Senior police officers supervised the operation from a control point near the ambulance, and traffic police ensured a clear route for the vehicle to reach the hospital without delay.

Police cite health concerns and court directions

The Delhi Police maintained that the transfer was carried out peacefully and with restraint because of Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.

“As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care…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 said.

The action came two days after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of the activist, observing that “the life of any citizen is precious” and ordering regular health monitoring along with necessary medical intervention.

Safdarjung hospital issues health update

Wangchuk was admitted to the emergency ward at Safdarjung Hospital. Hospital sources said he remained conscious and his vital parameters were stable.

“Mr Sonam Wangchuck 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,” the hospital said.

Wife opposes treatment without consent

Reacting to the development, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, confirmed that he had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital and objected to any medical treatment being started without her approval.

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

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

Meanwhile, CJP activists have continued their protest at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak and have announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

FAQs:

Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Safdarjung Hospital?

Delhi Police said he was shifted on medical advice due to deteriorating health and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions.

Why did Delhi Police cover Sonam Wangchuk with white sheets during the hospital shift?

According to police sources, white sheets were used to prevent crowd mobilisation and avoid public visuals during the early-morning operation.