Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised after 20-day fast as health worsens

New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital early on Saturday after his health deteriorated following a 20-day hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The move was carried out in compliance with directions from the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts.

Police personnel reached the protest site in the morning and escorted Wangchuk to the hospital amid sloganeering and protests by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the group leading the demonstration demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.

In a post on X, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said Wangchuk was shifted for essential medical treatment following the High Court's directions and expert medical advice due to his worsening condition. The officer added that some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to minor commotion, but police exercised restraint and completed the transfer safely. The police also appealed to protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully.

The action came ahead of a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court regarding Wangchuk's health. Earlier this week, the court had directed authorities to conduct daily medical assessments of the activist, observing that every citizen's life is precious and instructing the Centre to ensure all necessary medical care to protect his life.

Doctors monitoring Wangchuk on Friday described his condition as critical, warning of the possibility of organ failure. According to daily medical updates, the 59-year-old activist has lost more than eight kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast.

Wangchuk launched the hunger strike to demand the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, has also called for broader reforms in India's education system.

Over the past few days, several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, visited Wangchuk at the protest site and urged him to end his fast in view of his declining health.

The protesters have also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, and appealed to political parties to join the demonstration.

With inputs from IANS