Indian Activist Sonam Wangchuk Forcibly Hospitalised After 20-Day Hunger Strike

Indian police have moved prominent education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital against his wishes after his health deteriorated during a prolonged hunger strike in New Delhi.

Wangchuk, 59, was taken from the protest site at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, the 21st day of a fast that began on June 28. He had been demanding accountability over examination paper leaks and the resignation of federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Delhi Police said the intervention followed medical recommendations and directions from the Delhi High Court, which had instructed authorities to act if Wangchuk’s condition became critical. Doctors reportedly warned that he was suffering from severe dehydration and faced the risk of dangerously low potassium levels.

Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, where medical officials described him as stable but weak and in need of continuous monitoring. However, he reportedly refused intravenous fluids and other medical treatment after being transferred.

Supporters accused police of forcibly removing the activist without obtaining proper consent. The Cockroach Janta Party, the youth-led movement organising the protest, described the action as an unjustified crackdown on a peaceful demonstration.

Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, also raised concerns about the circumstances of his hospitalisation and asked that no medical procedures be carried out without consent. She reportedly sought his transfer to a hospital selected by the family.

The hunger strike was launched in solidarity with students protesting alleged leaks affecting major national examinations. Campaigners say the scandals have damaged public confidence in India’s education system, affected millions of candidates and intensified pressure on students and their families.

Before being hospitalised, Wangchuk had lost nearly nine kilograms and had become too weak to speak for extended periods. More than 1,800 public figures had reportedly appealed to him to end the fast because of growing concerns for his health.

Following his removal, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike and accused the authorities of attempting to suppress the protest. Hundreds of supporters later returned to the demonstration area despite an increased police presence.

The movement is preparing for a planned march to Parliament on July 20, prompting authorities to deploy additional security personnel, install barricades and strengthen surveillance across parts of the capital.

Wangchuk, an engineer and internationally recognised environmental campaigner from the Himalayan region of Ladakh, has previously organised hunger strikes and demonstrations concerning environmental protection, constitutional safeguards and greater autonomy for Ladakh.

His forced hospitalisation has intensified debate in India over the government’s handling of peaceful protests, student grievances and the right of an individual to refuse medical treatment.