Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, 18 July after his health deteriorated — a move carried out in compliance with Delhi High Court directions and on the advice of medical experts. The hospitalisation immediately triggered fresh protests, with Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announcing a personal hunger strike and vowing the agitation would not be abandoned.

What Happened at Jantar Mantar

Police personnel arrived at the protest site early on Saturday morning and shifted Wangchuk to the hospital amid sloganeering by CJP activists and members of the public gathered in solidarity. Dipke alleged that the removal was carried out covertly and with force. 'Like thieves and goons, the Delhi Police hid and dragged him away. They came secretly and, like thieves, covered Sonam Sir with a sheet, hid him, and dragged him away, just like criminals or the mafia kidnap people,' Dipke said.

Delhi Police has not issued a detailed public response to these specific allegations. The hospitalisation was, however, consistent with the court's earlier directive to ensure necessary medical intervention to protect Wangchuk's life.

Dipke's Allegations Against Delhi Police

Dipke further alleged that he was physically prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar. 'The Delhi Police also beat me up and stopped me from reaching Jantar Mantar. I was beaten, dragged on the road, and they said, 'Let's see how you go to Jantar Mantar',' he claimed. He also alleged that several sitting legislators and parliamentarians were barred from entering the protest site. 'There are many MLAs and MPs here who have also been stopped at the gate and are not being allowed inside,' he said. These allegations have not been independently verified.

The Demand: Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

The CJP-led agitation centres on a single demand — the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The organisation has been spearheading the protest at Jantar Mantar, drawing support from political figures across parties. Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj, who was present at the site, described the events as 'very unfortunate.' 'A large number of people had gathered in solidarity with someone who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, but the government is not listening. Today, he was forcibly picked up, covered with bedsheets, the barricades were removed, and he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital,' Saroj said.

Court Oversight and Medical Intervention

The Delhi High Court had earlier this week directed authorities to conduct daily clinical health assessments of Wangchuk, observing that 'the life of any citizen is precious' and asking the Centre to ensure necessary medical intervention. A hearing on Wangchuk's health condition was scheduled ahead of the Saturday morning developments. The court's intervention underscores the medical seriousness of a fast that had stretched to 20 days.

What Comes Next

Dipke confirmed that a march to Parliament is planned for 20 July — the opening day of the Monsoon Session — and that his personal hunger strike would run concurrently. 'These people think that by taking Sonam Sir inside and picking him up from here, they can end the protest; the protest will not end,' he said. Protest organisers have appealed to political parties across the spectrum to join the march and amplify the demand for Pradhan's resignation. With Parliament set to convene, the NEET controversy is expected to become a flashpoint in both chambers.