New Delhi: Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital on Friday after completing 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with police citing deteriorating health and compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
The move came after medical experts reportedly advised immediate hospitalisation, prompting Delhi Police to intervene and escort Wangchuk for treatment.
#WATCH | Delhi: The police took activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 20 days, to the hospital
DCP New Delhi tweeted, “As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of… pic.twitter.com/o8HxPSzu0f
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026
Confirming the development, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said the decision was taken in accordance with the High Court’s instructions and following a medical assessment that indicated his condition required urgent attention.
In a statement shared on social media, the DCP said Wangchuk had been admitted to a hospital for essential medical care due to concerns over his health. Police also appealed to demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully.
Wangchuk had been observing the hunger strike as part of his campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while raising concerns linked to education-related issues and constitutional safeguards. During the protest, he repeatedly urged supporters to continue the movement through peaceful and democratic means.
The hospitalisation comes just days before a proposed public mobilisation in the national capital, for which Wangchuk had appealed to citizens to participate instead of requesting him to end his fast.
Authorities maintained that the action was taken solely on medical grounds and in compliance with judicial directions. Security remained deployed around Jantar Mantar as officials monitored the situation following Wangchuk’s removal from the protest venue.
While his supporters expressed concern over his health, attention is now expected to shift towards the future course of the protest and the government’s response to the demands raised during the prolonged fast.
