'Police Beat Me': Abhijeet Dipke Levels Custody Allegations After Jantar Mantar Protest

New Delhi: Environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on hunger strike for the last 20 days at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, was taken by the police to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation on Saturday. According to Delhi Police, there was a possibility of deterioration in his health due to his continuous fast. For this reason, after the instructions of the High Court and the advice of the doctors, the decision was taken to take him to the hospital. At present, the team of doctors are continuously monitoring his health condition and necessary medical tests are being conducted.

Were actions taken after High Court order?

Delhi Police said that the court had already directed that regular medical check-up of Wangchuk should be done and if necessary, medical assistance should be provided immediately. In the doctors' report, there was a fear of increasing danger to his health, after which the decision was taken to take him to the hospital.

According to the police, some protesters protested during the operation, which led to slight chaos for some time. However, the police claim that restraint was maintained during the entire operation and no untoward incident was allowed to happen. An appeal was also made to the protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully.

Were security increased outside Jantar Mantar and hospital?

After Wangchuk was taken to the hospital, security arrangements were further tightened at Jantar Mantar. Paramilitary forces were also deployed along with Delhi Police on the spot. Multiple levels of barricades were installed around the protest site, while additional security forces were also deployed outside Safdarjung Hospital to avoid any chaos. The police are constantly monitoring the situation.

Did opposition leaders give support?

Wangchuk's movement received support from many opposition leaders. Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Congress leader Pawan Kheda have reached Jantar Mantar and met him. Considering his health, many opposition leaders had also advised him to end his fast. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal had said that life is more important than any movement and Wangchuk should not risk his life.

What allegations were made by the protestors?

Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijit Deepke alleged that the police assaulted him and detained him. He also claimed that some people had earlier tried to attack Wangchuk and a conspiracy was being hatched to disrupt the protest. At the same time, Dimple Yadav said that in a democracy, peaceful protest is the right of every citizen and the government should listen to them instead of suppressing such movements. There has been no detailed response from Delhi Police on these allegations.

What will happen next?

Wangchuk has been taken to the hospital at a time when the agitators are busy planning further strategies. Doctors are constantly monitoring his health, while organisations associated with the movement are talking about maintaining pressure on the government for their demands. In the coming days, this issue may remain the centre of discussion at both political and social levels.