Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the past 20 days, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on the morning of Saturday, 18 July amid a heavy deployment of police personnel at the protest site, sources said.
Tense scenes unfolded at Jantar Mantar as a large police contingent surrounded the venue where Wangchuk and his supporters had been protesting. Videos shared on social media showed heated exchanges between protesters and police as authorities escorted the activist to the hospital.
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was moved in compliance with directions issued by Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts, citing a deterioration in his health.
In a post on X, the Delhi Police commissioner said: "As per orders of Hon'ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the orders of Hon'ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and carried out the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest."
The statement came amid initial uncertainty over the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk's hospitalisation. His indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan entered its 21st day on Saturday and his cause has drawn support from several civil society groups and activists, though numerous people have been requesting him not to lay down his life at the altar of an 'uncaring government'.
Further details are awaited.
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