Delhi police forcibly removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, transferring him to a hospital due to deteriorating health after a 20-day hunger strike. The 59-year-old activist had been fasting since June 28 to demand the resignation of India’s education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, citing alleged irregularities in medical entrance examinations.
A deputy commissioner of the Delhi police stated that the removal was carried out in accordance with high court orders and expert medical advice to provide essential care. While police moved to clear the area, the statement noted that a slight commotion occurred as some protesters attempted to obstruct the action, with authorities subsequently requesting that those remaining at Jantar Mantar vacate the site peacefully. Footage from the scene captured confusion as officers, carrying white sheets, quickly moved Wangchuk from the stage.
A New Delhi court ordered government doctors on Thursday to monitor the activist’s health daily. Emphasizing that the life of any citizen is precious, the court mandated that all necessary medical interventions be taken to save Wangchuk’s life following a petition from activist lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, who warned that the activist might not survive the duration of his fast.
Wangchuk, an engineer widely recognized for his work in Himalayan water conservation, had been joined by hundreds of students at his protest stage in recent weeks. Additional demonstrations were organized by the satirical Cockroach Janta party online movement. Hours before his removal, Wangchuk remarked that smaller movements have successfully challenged governments in India, noting that the current struggle centers on the integrity of the education system.
The protests were fueled by widespread outrage over a paper leak that forced approximately 2.2 million medical students to sit for a re-examination last month under tight security. This incident, combined with marking issues in high school tests, has drawn significant support for Wangchuk and student activists. Several members of opposition parties have voiced their support for Wangchuk and the student activists.
