Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital on 21st Day of Hunger Strike as Health Worsens
New Delhi, July 18: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after completing 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. His protest, which entered its 21st day, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
According to the Delhi Police, Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts, who warned that his health had deteriorated significantly. Officials said the move was necessary to ensure he received urgent medical care.
Reports from the hospital stated that Wangchuk is conscious and his vital signs are stable.
The police also appealed to protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site peacefully. Authorities said that while implementing the High Court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief commotion. However, police maintained that maximum restraint was exercised and the transfer was carried out safely.
The Delhi High Court had earlier instructed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of Wangchuk, stressing that every effort should be made to protect his life. During Friday’s health check-up, doctors reportedly described his condition as critical and warned of the risk of organ failure if the fast continued.
Medical updates over the past few days revealed that the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms during the hunger strike, raising serious concerns about his health.
Several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, visited Wangchuk in recent days. While expressing support for his demand for education reforms, they also urged him to end the hunger strike due to his worsening health.
The protest, launched by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, seeks educational reforms and calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, alleging moral responsibility for the NEET paper leak.
Meanwhile, protesters have announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, and have invited political parties to join the demonstration.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
