Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from the protest site at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital early hours on June 18 after completing 20 days of his hunger strike, following concerns over his deteriorating health.
According to Delhi Police, the action was taken in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts. The police said Wangchuk was moved to the hospital to ensure he received essential medical treatment as his condition worsened.
Reports indicated that Wangchuk is conscious and his vital signs are stable after being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
The police also appealed to demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully. Authorities stated that while implementing the High Court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief commotion. However, police said the situation was handled with restraint and without major incident.
The development comes ahead of further proceedings in the Delhi High Court, which had earlier directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of Wangchuk. Stressing that every citizen’s life is valuable, the court instructed the Centre to take all necessary measures to safeguard his health.
Medical assessments over the past few days had raised serious concerns about Wangchuk’s condition. Doctors on Friday reportedly described his health as critical, warning of a possible risk of organ failure if the fast continued. Earlier medical bulletins had also noted that the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms during the protest.
Wangchuk has been observing the hunger strike while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.
