Emotional scenes unfolded at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday after social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on an indefinite hunger strike, was taken to the city’s Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Founder Abhijeet Dipke was seen breaking down in tears amid the ongoing protest, aimed at seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities.

Holding portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar, Dipke was seen sitting among fellow protestors before becoming visibly emotional. As activists surrounded him to console him and offered him water, Dipke later announced that he too would resort to an indefinite hunger strike to express solidarity with Wangchuk. 

Addressing the gathering while holding a copy of the Indian Constitution, Dipke alleged that Wangchuk had opposed being taken to hospital and instead wished to continue the march towards Parliament, scheduled for July 20, 2026. He said, “He did not want to go to the hospital. He wanted to join the Parliament march. He is not a criminal. If the authorities were genuinely concerned about his health, they should have treated him with dignity.”

Dramatic scenes ensue at protest site

After police personnel arrived at the protest site early Saturday morning to escort Wangchuk to the hospital, dramatic scenes unfolded there. Meanwhile, police officials maintained that the move was carried out after receiving directives from the Delhi High Court (HC) and on the recommendation of medical experts, citing a tremendous deterioration in Wangchuk’s health. 

Dipke alleged that he was detained and was assaulted during the operation and claimed that the demonstrators were subjected to a lathi charge. However, the police shunned the allegations.

Police operation planned overnight

Eyewitnesses claimed the cops arrived at the protest venue in plain clothes, identifying themselves as members of a medical team. White sheets were reportedly used to shield Wangchuk from media cameras as he was escorted from Jantar Mantar. 

As per reports, the operation was planned overnight after senior police officials received orders from Police Headquarters at around 1:30 am. The plan reportedly followed medical advice recommending Wangchuk’s immediate hospitalisation in compliance with the Delhi HC’s directions.

Several reports also claimed that the cops deployed network jammers and conducted a security drill to ensure Wangchuk could be moved from the protest site quickly and without confrontation. 

Wife accompanies Wangchuk to hospital

Wangchuk has been shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital in the national capital, where he is being accompanied by his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo. 

She expressed concern over the manner in which her husband was referred to the hospital, urging authorities not to administer any medication without first consulting either her, Wangchuk’s kin or the doctors treating him.

Cops defend action

Defending the operation Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital for essential ‘medical care’ after expert medical advice and in compliance with the Delhi HC’s orders. 

According to DCP Sharma, some protestors tried to obstruct the cops while the court’s directions were being executed, leading to a brief commotion. He added that the cops exercised maximum restraint during the course of the operation and pleaded with the demonstrators gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the site peacefully.