Delhi Police Shift Sonam Wangchuk to Hospital From Jantar Mantar Protest Site
Early on Saturday, Delhi Police removed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and admitted him to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital. The action was taken on the 21st day of Wangchuk's hunger strike against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, following a Delhi High Court order citing his deteriorating health.
The relocation occurred two days before Wangchuk and his supporters were scheduled to hold a march to Parliament on July 20. The activist has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged nationwide examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
According to police officials, the decision to shift Wangchuk was made in compliance with a Delhi High Court order and on the advice of medical experts. While complying with the court's directive, a slight commotion occurred as some protesters attempted to obstruct the police, but officials stated they exercised maximum restraint to complete the transfer safely.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia had disposed of a public interest litigation regarding Wangchuk's health. The court observed that the life of every citizen is precious and directed that necessary medical intervention be provided based on the opinion of government doctors.
Following his admission to the emergency ward at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, medical sources indicated that Wangchuk is conscious and his vital signs are stable.
Prior to his hospitalization, the Health Ministry had directed medical teams from RML Hospital, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College to conduct health checks on Wangchuk twice daily. The hospitals were also instructed to maintain 24-hour nursing support and ensure emergency medical preparedness.
Medical parameters recorded on Friday by Dr. Satish Lamba of the Delhi Medical Association showed that Wangchuk’s weight had dropped to 56.55 kg, a decline of 350 grams within 24 hours. His blood pressure was recorded at 108/68, blood sugar at 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate at 72 per minute.
A heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel remained at Jantar Mantar following the activist's removal. Meanwhile, several opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, and Supriya Sule, had visited Wangchuk on Friday to express solidarity before he was moved.
