Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI — Tensions reached a boiling point at Jantar Mantar as renowned education reformist and activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed by the Delhi Police and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. The police action, executed in the early hours of the morning, has triggered widespread outrage and allegations of an impending overnight crackdown on remaining demonstrators.
Wangchuk, who entered the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, is protesting alongside the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examinations.
The Hospitalization and Medical Standoff
According to hospital updates, Wangchuk was admitted to the emergency ward showing signs of severe dehydration, low potassium levels, and elevated urinary ketones, signaling potential risks to his kidney function. Despite his critical physical state—having reportedly lost nearly 20% of his body weight—Wangchuk has adamantly refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, and all medications, vowing to continue his fast from his hospital bed.
The situation has turned deeply contentious, with Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, and his personal physician, Dr. Nitin Dighe, publicly questioning the hospital’s medical reports.
“Safdarjung Hospital’s report claims his potassium level dropped to 2.9, whereas our tests yesterday showed it was normal at 4.3,” Angmo stated, alleging a severe “lack of transparency”.
The family has formally requested his immediate discharge to transfer him to a private facility.
Midnight “Crackdown” and Detentions
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder, Abhijeet Dipke, heavily criticized the government’s heavy-handed tactics. Dipke claimed that Delhi Police personnel strategically waited for him to step away to a restroom before swooping in, putting up white curtains around the protest stage, and bundling Wangchuk into an ambulance.
Dipke alleged that he was subsequently blocked from returning, beaten, and briefly detained by the police. CJP spokespersons have warned that the police are planning a full-scale overnight crackdown to completely clear out Jantar Mantar and prevent the massive “Chalo Sansad” (March to Parliament) rally scheduled for July 20.
The Official Response
Defending its actions, the New Delhi DCP office maintained that the activist was moved purely for essential medical care in strict compliance with Delhi High Court directives and expert medical advice. Officials have strongly urged the remaining protestors to vacate the area peacefully, stating that demonstrators actively tried to obstruct police from executing the court-ordered health intervention.
As political heavyweights from the opposition voice their support for Wangchuk, the Capital remains on high alert for further escalations through the night.
