Activist Sonam Wangchuk Removed From Delhi Hunger Strike Site

Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his hunger strike protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi just before 07:30 local time on Saturday. Dozens of police and paramilitary personnel covered the 59-year-old with bedsheet curtains before carrying him from the stage. An ambulance sped away minutes later.

Wangchuk had been consuming only salt and water for 20 days and had lost more than 9 kg. He had refused repeated calls to end the indefinite strike despite his weakening condition. The activist was protesting in support of the Cockroach Janta Party, an online movement seeking educational reforms including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The group had planned a march to parliament on Monday. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said police prevented him from leaving a friend's house that morning and that he had not been told where Wangchuk was taken. A top police official stated the removal followed a Delhi High Court order issued Thursday and was based on health conditions and medical advice.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk had been moved to a government hospital for medical intervention and remained under supervision. Wangchuk had told supporters days earlier that he remained determined to join the Monday march, stating he had grown weak outwardly but stayed strong within.

The Delhi High Court had directed the federal government to monitor Wangchuk's health regularly and provide treatment if needed.