​Activist Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized Following 20-Day Hunger Strike

​Delhi police forcibly relocated activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday morning, marking the end of his 20-day hunger strike at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The 59-year-old educator had been fasting since June 28 to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing systemic failures and widespread irregularities in medical entrance examinations.

​Medical Emergency Prompts Intervention

​The police action followed an urgent directive from the Delhi High Court, which had ordered government doctors to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily. Following a petition by activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, the court emphasized that the “life of any citizen is precious,” necessitating immediate medical intervention.

​Medical experts monitoring the site had issued dire warnings in the days leading up to the hospitalization, noting that Wangchuk had lost over 9 kg (approx. 21 lbs) and was at high risk of multiple-organ failure. Hospital sources confirmed Saturday morning that Wangchuk, while conscious and stable in the emergency ward, remains under close supervision.

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​Commotion at Protest Site

​The early morning transfer was met with resistance from supporters at the Jantar Mantar protest site, leading to a brief, tense standoff. While Delhi Police maintained that they acted with restraint to ensure the activist’s safety and denied allegations of excessive force or a “lathi charge,” supporters—including members of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)—alleged that Wangchuk was removed against his will.

​Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma stated that the police were strictly complying with court orders and requested that remaining protesters vacate the area, which has served as a focal point for youth anger regarding the recent medical exam paper leaks.

​Escalation of Demands

​The CJP, which has spearheaded the online and on-the-ground protest movement, has responded to the hospitalization by escalating its political demands. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that the movement will now seek the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in addition to the Education Minister. Despite the removal of their primary figurehead, organizers have vowed to continue their planned march to Parliament on July 20.

​The hunger strike was initially sparked by the massive outcry surrounding the re-examination of approximately 2.2 million medical students, a move necessitated by a high-profile paper leak that compromised the integrity of India’s competitive medical admissions process.