Tension escalated at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, was forcibly shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police. The move followed allegations from protest organizers that an object was thrown at Wangchuk and that police used undue force.
Police Actions Spark Controversy at Jantar Mantar
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is spearheading the protest, stated that unidentified individuals attempted to attack Wangchuk during the demonstration on Friday, July 17, 2026. Dipke reported that an object was thrown at Wangchuk, though fortunately, he was not injured. Shortly after, Dipke alleged that Delhi Police forcefully removed Wangchuk from the protest site. Students present at Jantar Mantar also claimed that three other hunger-striking protesters were being removed.
Dipke further alleged that he had been beaten and detained by Delhi Police, and CJP spokesperson Saurav Das claimed students were lathi-charged. Dipke had previously warned of potential disruptions, citing information from a police insider, and accused authorities of failing to respond for hours when disturbances first began.
Delhi Police Cites Court Orders and Medical Advice
In response to the allegations, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter). The DCP confirmed that Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital for essential medical care, citing orders from the Hon’ble High Court and expert medical advice regarding his deteriorating health. The statement acknowledged that protesters attempted to obstruct the police, leading to a "slight commotion," but asserted that police exercised "maximum restraint" and conducted the operation safely. Authorities requested protesters to vacate the site peacefully.
Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Demands and Health Concerns
Sonam Wangchuk commenced his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, 2026, as part of a broader CJP protest that began on June 20. The primary demand of the protest is the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the exam system.
As his hunger strike entered its third week, Wangchuk had expressed grave concerns about his health. He publicly stated, "Yes, I am still alive. Twenty per cent of my body is gone. After fats, muscles are gone. After that, organs will go. Finally, the brain. The time has not come yet." Wangchuk had also appealed to citizens nationwide to join the CJP’s "Chalo Sansad" (March to Parliament) demonstration scheduled for July 20, emphasizing the movement's need for public support.