Hours after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, said that no medication or medical intervention should be administered without consulting her, their family or the doctors who have been monitoring his health over the past three weeks.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 as part of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam paper leaks and student suicides.
Sharing an update on X after reaching the hospital, Angmo wrote, “I am at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi where [Sonam Wangchuk] has been admitted.”
She further stated, “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.”
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.
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 18, 2026
Speaking to PTI, she reiterated her objection, saying, “I forbid them from administering anything without my consent. No treatment should start without my consent. I hold everybody accountable if anything happens.”
Angmo also questioned the decision to move Wangchuk to the hospital, saying, “Yesterday, he was doing fine. There was no need to bring him to the hospital. It’s my right under Article 32. Without my consent and my doctor’s consent, nothing can be administered.”
Delhi Police cites High Court directions and medical advice
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after medical experts advised immediate care and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Also Read | Delhi Police remove Sonam Wangchuk from protest site, take him to hospital
DCP (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said, “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.”
He 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. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”
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.
— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) July 18, 2026
While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create…
CJP alleges contempt of court, announces continued protest
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that the police had misread the Delhi High Court’s directions while taking Wangchuk to the hospital.
According to Das, “The Delhi High Court directed that the health of Sonam Wangchuk should be monitored and any intervention should only take place if his health deteriorates. His health is monitored by our medical team 2-3 times a day and he himself posts videos on a daily basis giving update about his health which has been stable. The Delhi police has misinterpreted that court order and in the guise of that order detained him. The detention is a contempt of court’s order.”
How did you decide his health has deteriorated Delhi police suddenly in early morning even without medical check.
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 18, 2026
He was monitored last evening by YOUR GOVT DOCTORS WHO ADVISED NOTHING BUT MONITORING HIS HEALTH.
DID YOU CHECK HIS VITALS IN THE MORNING BEFORE WHISKING HIM AWAY? https://t.co/gtJpQNgNSs
Also Read | ‘I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost’: Sonam Wangchuk vows to continue hunger strike
Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday following Wangchuk’s hospitalisation. Posting on X, he wrote, “I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now.”
I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now.
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) July 18, 2026
In another post, the party said, “Abhijeet Dipke sits on an indefinite hunger strike. The ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on 20 July will proceed as planned.”
The hospitalisation came a day after Dipke alleged that an object had been thrown at Wangchuk during the protest and later claimed police used force against demonstrators. Saurav Das also alleged that students at the protest site were lathi-charged. However, DCP Sachin Sharma denied that police assaulted any protesters, maintaining that officers were only carrying out the transfer of Wangchuk to the hospital.
FAQs:
Why was Sonam Wangchuk admitted to Safdarjung Hospital?
Delhi Police said he was shifted on expert medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Why did Sonam Wangchuk’s wife oppose his treatment?
She said no medication or medical treatment should be given without her, her family’s or his doctors’ consent.
