Health Worsens After 20-Day Fast, Sonam Wangchuk Taken To Hospital By Delhi Police

New Delhi: Ladakh-based social activist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to the hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk was on a fast unto death for the last 20 days and Saturday was the 21st day of his fast. Amid fears of deteriorating health, he was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where he is undergoing treatment under the supervision of doctors.

According to sources, Wangchuk was conscious when he reached the hospital and his condition is currently said to be stable.

Why did Delhi Police take him to the hospital?

Delhi Police says that this action was taken on the basis of the instructions of the Delhi High Court and the advice of expert doctors. According to the police, Wangchuk's health was continuously deteriorating, so it was necessary to provide him necessary medical care.

Police said that some protesters protested while being taken to the hospital, which created an atmosphere of mild chaos for some time. However, the police exercised restraint and completed the entire process peacefully.

What did the High Court say?

During the hearing two days ago, the Central Government had assured the Delhi High Court that as per the advice of the doctors, every necessary medical facility would be provided to Wangchuk.

The bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia had said that the life of any citizen is extremely important. The court had directed the government to check his health daily by government doctors and if necessary, treatment should be started immediately.

For what demand were you fasting?

Sonam Wangchuk started the fast at Jantar Mantar from 28th June. Their main demand was the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They allege that there should be an impartial judicial inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and comprehensive reforms should be made in the country's examination system. The agitation is part of the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Was action taken before Parliament march?

Wangchuk was taken to the hospital at a time when CJP had announced a Parliament march the next day. Earlier, Wangchuk had also appealed to the people across the country to join this march in large numbers.

The video of the incident of being taken to the hospital is becoming increasingly viral on social media. Opposition parties and many social organisations have raised questions on this action, while Delhi Police says that its aim was only to ensure the safety of Wangchuk's life.