Sonam Wangchuk, the prominent climate activist, has been confirmed as a patient at Safdarjung Hospital following his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The activist was brought to the medical facility on the morning of July 18, 2026, after spending 20 days fasting, which led to concerns regarding his health. Hospital officials stated that Wangchuk requires continuous monitoring due to his weakened condition attributed to dehydration and protracted fasting.

According to a hospital statement, he was admitted for treatment at 7.40 am. The medical team highlighted that although his current status is stable, continuous observation is essential to restore his physical health. Wangchuk’s condition came under scrutiny after he opted for a hunger strike, raising alarms among supporters and medical professionals alike.

Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site was sanctioned by the Delhi Police, who acted on expert medical advice and in accordance with directives from the Delhi High Court aimed at safeguarding his health. His situation deteriorated towards the end of the strike, prompting authorities to intervene early on Saturday morning.

Details of Wangchuk’s Removal from the Protest Site

The intervention by law enforcement triggered a brief disturbance at Jantar Mantar, where supporters alleged that the authorities had forcibly taken Wangchuk away. Police, however, contended that the operation was conducted with restraint and that their actions were necessary for Wangchuk’s wellbeing. Visual recordings from the site captured police personnel surrounding him with white sheets before transporting him to an ambulance awaiting outside.

Following the incident, security measures were escalated both at the hospital and the protest site to prevent any potential disorder. The police maintained that the actions taken were imperative for the health of the activist, despite the protest and unrest it caused among supporters.

The situation drew attention from various quarters, including Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, who expressed concerns regarding the hospitalisation. She urged the medical staff not to administer any treatments without the consent of the family, insisting that Wangchuk seemed stable just a day prior. These claims raise questions about the necessity of his admission.

Continued Protests and Allegations of Assault

In the wake of Wangchuk’s removal, activist Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, declared his intention to carry on the hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk. Dipke also claimed that he experienced an assault and was briefly detained during the police operation, accusations that the Delhi Police have denied.

Wangchuk’s decision to fast began on June 28, in relation to a protest concerning accountability over the alleged NEET-UG examination paper leak. Demonstrators are seeking a judicial inquiry into the alleged irregularities surrounding the examination and have called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), including individuals named Neha, Aameen, and Manish, continued their own hunger strikes at the protest site even after police action against Wangchuk.

The focus now shifts to Wangchuk’s recovery under medical supervision, as well as the future prospects of the ongoing protests. Organisers have indicated their intention to maintain the momentum of the agitation despite Wangchuk’s absence from Jantar Mantar, illustrating the determination of the movement to address the issues at hand.

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