What happened to Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday? From Jantar Mantar to hospitalisation, here's how the day unfolded
Jantar Mantar showdown: What began as another morning at Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site turned into one of the most dramatic moments of Sonam Wangchuk's
Jantar Mantar showdown: What began as another morning at Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site turned into one of the most dramatic moments of Sonam Wangchuk's 21-day hunger strike, with Police whisking away the climate activist to Safdarjung Hospital amid allegations of a forcible removal, counterclaims by authorities. Did the police take Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital? According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on medical advise because of his deteriorating health. Police said the move was carried out in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court, under which doctors had been conducting regular medical examinations of the activist. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Why was Sonam Wangchuk taken to Safdarjung Hospital during his hunger strike? ⌵ Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on medical advice due to signs of dehydration and deteriorating health after a prolonged hunger strike. 2 What was the reaction of Sonam Wangchuk's wife regarding his hospitalization? ⌵ Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk's wife, expressed concerns about the treatment process at the hospital, questioning the lack of transparency and requesting that no treatment be administered without her consent. 3 Is Sonam Wangchuk still on hunger strike while hospitalized? ⌵ Yes, despite being hospitalized, Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike and has refused to take intravenous fluids or medication. 4 What security measures are in place at Safdarjung Hospital due to Wangchuk's admission? ⌵ Significant security has been implemented at Safdarjung Hospital, with police personnel deployed around the premises due to the sensitive nature of Wangchuk's case. 5 How have Delhi Police responded to claims of the forcible removal of Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site? ⌵ Delhi Police have denied allegations of using force during Wangchuk's removal and stated that the transfer was conducted solely for medical reasons, following directions from the High Court. "As per orders of the 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," PTI quoted the Delhi Police statement. However, protesters at the Jantar Mantar alleged that the removal was carried out within five to 10 minutes, reported PTI. Eyewitnesses claimed that between 7 am and 8 am, several ‘Delhi Police’ personnel, including officers in plain clothes, entered the protest venue where Sonam Wangchuk had been fasting since June 28.
Also Read | 'Wrong': Rahul Gandhi slams govt in first statement on Jantar Mantar protest Protesters claimed that paramilitary personnel formed an outer security cordon while another group of officers surrounded Wangchuk's mattress. They alleged that large white bedsheets were held up to block the crowd's view before Wangchuk was lifted and carried to a waiting ambulance. Several protesters said they initially reached for their mobile phones to record the incident but found their view completely obscured by the bedsheets. Police maintained that the transfer was solely on medical grounds. In a statement, authorities said Sonam Wangchuk had shown signs of dehydration due to prolonged fasting and had been admitted for further medical evaluation. Did Delhi Police lathi-charge protesters? There are conflicting claims. Abhijeet Dipke and other protesters alleged that force was used while Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar. However, Delhi Police has categorically denied carrying out any lathi-charge or detaining protesters. New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma said there was “absolutely no lathi charge”, according to a Times Of India report. Sonam Wangchuk health update Safdarjung Hospital later said Sonam Wangchuk was conscious when admitted, with stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, although signs of dehydration were detected. According to the hospital and Gitanjali, Wangchuk is continuing his fast,m and has refused to take intravenous liquid, coconut water. The hospital also said blood tests indicated compensated acidosis and low serum potassium. Doctors recommended intravenous fluids, but the hospital said Wangchuk refused intravenous treatment, oral rehydration fluids and medication, adding that he was being continuously monitored and counselled in the interest of his health. What did Sonam Wangchuk's wife say on activist's health? View full Image View full Image New Delhi, Jul 18 (ANI): CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke with a portrait of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk after the latter's hospitalisation and announcement of former's hunger strike, seeking Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo) (Hemant rawat) Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation quickly became the centre of a fresh dispute after Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, questioned the treatment process. In letters addressed to the medical superintendent, she requested that no oral or intravenous treatment be administered without the consent of the family and the doctors who had been monitoring Wangchuk during his fast. She also sought his discharge so he could be shifted to a medical facility of the family's choice.
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