Police Move Activist Sonam Wangchuk From Jantar Mantar To Safdarjung Hospital

On Saturday, the Delhi Police removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from his 21-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar and admitted him to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. The decision, which authorities stated was based on medical advice and Delhi High Court directions, has sparked a political controversy in the capital.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the move to shift Wangchuk, stating that the action was prompted by rising concerns over his deteriorating health. Meanwhile, opposition parties criticized the police action, leading to a political clash over the activist's hospitalization.

According to the Delhi Police, Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days at Jantar Mantar before he was shifted to the hospital. Police officials stated that the transfer was carried out on medical advice and in strict compliance with court directions.

BJP national spokesperson and former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain clarified that the Delhi High Court had previously ordered that Wangchuk’s health be regularly monitored. He rejected the opposition's criticisms, stating that the hospitalisation was purely a health measure.

"He has been admitted to the hospital for a medical examination to monitor his health and ensure that he remains healthy. That is the only reason," Hussain said.

The BJP also accused opposition parties of attempting to turn the hospitalisation into a political issue. Party representatives questioned whether critics would have preferred the activist's condition to worsen simply to sustain a "political spectacle."

BJP IT department head Amit Malviya also supported the decision. Malviya stated that the authorities acted responsibly, balancing the directions of the Delhi High Court with the immediate need to protect Wangchuk’s health.

At present, Wangchuk remains at Safdarjung Hospital where medical professionals are monitoring his condition.