NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after being taken from the Jantar Mantar protest site, where he had been on an indefinite hunger strike, hospital authorities said.
Delhi Police remove Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar protest forcefully!!
— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) July 18, 2026
This is shameful, instead of Removing Dharmendra Pradhan they removed Sonam !!
What a coward Govt pic.twitter.com/gIk7jRava7
In a statement, Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk was admitted at 7:40 a.m. and was weak due to prolonged fasting and dehydration. Doctors said he was stable but required continuous observation, monitoring and treatment to restore his health.
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital on medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had directed authorities to regularly assess his health during the fast and provide medical care whenever necessary.
The removal from the protest site drew objections from some supporters, who alleged that Wangchuk was taken away against his wishes. Delhi Police denied the allegation, saying the transfer was carried out with restraint in view of his medical condition. Those claims could not be independently verified.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, urged the hospital not to administer oral or intravenous treatment without the consent of the family and the doctors who had been monitoring his fast. She also questioned the need for his hospitalisation.
According to protest organisers, Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28 over demands linked to the alleged NEET-UG examination paper leak. The protest has also called for a judicial inquiry into examination-related irregularities, greater accountability in the education system and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.
Organisers said the protest would continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, with other participants remaining on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
Authorities have increased security around the hospital and the protest site. There was no immediate official update on when Wangchuk might be discharged.
