Sonam Wangchuk ‘still fasting’ after hospitalisation: Blow-by-blow account of chaos at CJP's Jantar Mantar protest
Day 21 of activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike began in chaos when Delhi Police "forcefully" took Wangchuk away, covered in white sheets, from the Jantar
Day 21 of activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike began in chaos when Delhi Police "forcefully" took Wangchuk away, covered in white sheets, from the Jantar Mantar protest site and admitted him to Safdarjung hospital due to health concerns. Questions were raised over the manner in which Wangchuk was rushed to the hospital. Later, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke broke down in tears as he announced he would hold an indefinite hunger strike. The day took a dramatic turn further when a woman threw an ink-like liquid at Dipke amid the protest around Saturday noon. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What led to Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalization during his hunger strike? ⌵ Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized after Delhi Police forcefully took him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar due to deteriorating health conditions related to his prolonged fasting. 2 Why is Sonam Wangchuk staging a hunger strike? ⌵ Wangchuk is staging a hunger strike to demand accountability for an alleged paper leak incident affecting students and is seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 3 How did the Delhi Police justify taking Sonam Wangchuk to the hospital? ⌵ The Delhi Police stated that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital in compliance with a Delhi High Court order and based on medical advice indicating his health had deteriorated. 4 What actions did Abhijeet Dipke take after Wangchuk was hospitalized? ⌵ After Wangchuk's hospitalization, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 5 What concerns were raised regarding Sonam Wangchuk's medical treatment at the hospital? ⌵ Concerns were raised by Wangchuk's wife regarding transparency, asserting that family and personal doctors were not allowed to meet him and that no treatment should occur without their consent. Also Read | Sonam Wangchuk News LIVE: Woman throws ink at Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar About the protest Wangchuk was mustering all his strength to participate in the July 20 march to Parliament. He had been holding an indefinite fast since June 28, 2026, in solidarity with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The CJP, which began as online satire but ended up becoming a massive movement, has been protesting against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET 'paper leak' incident that severely impacted students. Wangchuk has been demanding accountability for the alleged paper leak and a resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. He and his supporters also urged the government to initiate a dialogue with protesters to address the concerns related to the education system. What happened early Saturday, July 18? Before the sun rose on Saturday, there were reports about “multiple incidents” at Jantar Mantar, where “people created disturbances”. Around Friday midnight, Cockroach Janata Party's Abhijeet Dipke claimed that "goons tried to attack Sonam sir at Jantar Mantar." He said an "object was thrown at him, but fortunately, he was not hurt." Later, in the early hours of Saturday, Dipke alleged a Delhi Police “crackdown” at Jantar Mantar.
The BriefWire