NEW DELHI: A political confrontation erupted on Saturday after Delhi Police shifted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital following a deterioration in his health during a 21-day indefinite hunger strike, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the police of using force against protesters and attempting to suppress the agitation.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar instead of the Centre addressing his demands. He claimed that no representative of the Union Government had engaged with the activist throughout his fast and alleged that police resorted to force while dispersing protesters gathered at the venue.
Singh further contended that the police action came ahead of the proposed march to Parliament scheduled for July 20 and appealed to students and youth to continue extending support to Wangchuk’s agitation. He asserted that the movement could not be curtailed through police intervention.
AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that police personnel in plain clothes entered the protest site carrying white bedsheets to obstruct camera views during the operation. He claimed the move was intended to prevent any alleged manhandling of Wangchuk and other protesters from being recorded.
AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha also criticised the police action, alleging that governments with authoritarian tendencies fear mass movements. In a post on X, he said public protests cannot be silenced through force or intimidation and maintained that attempts to suppress such movements ultimately prove ineffective.
Delhi Police, however, maintained that Wangchuk was shifted to hospital strictly on medical grounds and in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court.
In an official statement, the police said Wangchuk’s health had deteriorated and expert medical opinion recommended immediate hospitalisation. The force stated that while implementing the High Court’s directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the exercise, leading to a brief commotion. It added that personnel exercised maximum restraint and completed the operation safely.
Wangchuk and three activists associated with the All India Students’ Association (AISA) have been observing an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 at Jantar Mantar in support of protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and reported student deaths linked to the controversy.
Medical assessments over the past three weeks indicated a steady decline in Wangchuk’s health. Doctors on Friday said he had lost nearly 9.5 kilograms since the beginning of the fast, although the activist had reiterated his resolve to continue the agitation despite his worsening condition.
The Delhi High Court, which has been monitoring developments, had directed that Wangchuk’s health be assessed regularly and that appropriate medical intervention be provided whenever required.
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, AISA members Neha, Aameen and Manish continued their indefinite hunger strike at the protest site on Saturday. According to AISA, demonstrators formed a human chain around the three activists and prevented police from removing them from the venue.
