Activist Sonam Wangchuk was caught on camera in a tense standoff with police personnel inside Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, in a video that has since gone viral on social media. The footage, reportedly recorded on 21 July, captures Wangchuk attempting to leave the hospital while a police officer appears to block his exit — an incident that has reignited debate over the treatment of protesters linked to the NEET paper leak demonstrations.

What the Video Shows

Wangchuk, who had been shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on 18 July after his health deteriorated during an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, is heard telling the officer: 'Ask them to arrest me. I am a free citizen.' He further alleged that he was being harassed despite his worsening condition, saying: 'You all are harassing me. If I die because of this stress, it will be your responsibility.'

The officer is heard denying the allegation. Wangchuk continued walking toward the exit, adding: 'You have kept me here for no reason for three hours on the 24th day of my hunger strike. You are harassing me. If anything happens to me because of this stress, it will be your responsibility.' At another point, he declared: 'I am leaving. Arrest me. Shameless people.'

Addressing hospital officials directly, Wangchuk said: 'Ask your doctors. I wanted to leave with gratitude and preserve whatever honour was left. But now I am sorry to say I have to leave with this comment. You are the worst institution affected by these people. You have sold your souls.'

Hospital's Clarification

Safdarjung Hospital issued a statement clarifying that the confrontation occurred before the administration had received the written order from the Delhi High Court permitting Wangchuk's transfer to a facility of his choice. The hospital maintained that it could act only upon receipt of the official court order — not on the basis of media reports, through which Wangchuk had reportedly learned of the ruling.

The hospital also noted that videography is prohibited on its premises and alleged that the footage was recorded by Wangchuk's associates before being released publicly. According to the hospital, Wangchuk was formally handed over to a team of doctors from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram at 6:40 pm on the same day, immediately after the written court order was received.

Wangchuk's Defence After Ending the Fast

Wangchuk, now undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital, subsequently addressed criticism from social media users who questioned the sincerity of his protest after he called off his 26-day hunger strike. In a video message released on Friday night, he said: 'After fasting for 26 days for the students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight, including muscle mass, and pushing my organs and brain to the verge of irreversible damage, do I still need a character certificate from anyone to prove the sincerity of my fast or explain whose hands I accepted water from or whether I made any deal?'

His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, also came to his defence, urging critics to show compassion rather than make political judgements. She confirmed that Wangchuk was receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit following significant weight loss during the prolonged strike.

Background: The NEET Protest and the Hunger Strike

Wangchuk's fast was undertaken in solidarity with students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET undergraduate medical entrance examination. The NEET paper leak controversy has sparked widespread student demonstrations across India, with demands for a re-examination and accountability. Wangchuk's hunger strike, which lasted 26 days, drew national attention and prompted the Delhi High Court to intervene in his medical care.

This is not the first time Wangchuk has used a public fast as a form of protest; the Ladakh-based activist has previously undertaken hunger strikes over statehood and environmental concerns for the region. The viral video adds a new dimension to the ongoing scrutiny of how authorities have handled protesters linked to the NEET agitation.

What Comes Next

As Wangchuk continues his recovery at Medanta, the controversy over his hospital standoff is likely to keep the NEET protest movement in the public eye. The Delhi High Court's intervention and the hospital's procedural defence will face continued scrutiny from civil society groups monitoring the treatment of hunger strikers in state custody.