Sonam Wangchuk shifted to hospital as health worsens on 21st day of hunger strike

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 18, 2026: Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital on Saturday after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the move was carried out on the directions of the Delhi High Court and based on expert medical advice.

Wangchuk had joined the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led organisation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. The group has also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

In a statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital for "essential medical care" due to his deteriorating health.

"As per orders of the Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Shri Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care," the statement said.

The police further stated that while implementing the High Court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, resulting in a brief commotion.

"While complying with the orders of the Hon’ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and carried out the operation safely," the statement added. Police also appealed to protesters at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site peacefully.

Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused Delhi Police of using force against protesters.

"Delhi Police is cracking down at Jantar Mantar. They are beating up people and taking away Sonam sir forcefully," Dipke alleged in a social media post.

In another post, Dipke said he and Ashutosh Ranka had reached the protest site in solidarity with the hunger strikers and condemned the police action.

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) also claimed that the indefinite hunger strike by protesters Neha, Manish, and Aameen continued into its 21st day and alleged that students formed a human chain to prevent police action.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das further alleged on X that Delhi Police had stopped Dipke from reaching the protest site and claimed that students were subjected to a lathi-charge. Delhi Police has not specifically responded to these allegations.