Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised by Delhi police after 20-day hunger strike
Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly transferred to a hospital by Delhi Police following an indefinite hunger strike demanding reforms to the exam system. His removal has intensified the protest movement, with supporters continuing their demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
Police in New Delhi forcibly transferred activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday, 18 July 2026, marking a turning point in a multi-week protest against India’s national examination system. The 59-year-old engineer and educator had been engaged in an indefinite hunger strike at the Jantar Mantar protest site since 28 June, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement centers on allegations of widespread irregularities and paper leaks in high-stakes medical examinations.
The Delhi Police reported that the intervention was prompted by concerns over the activist's deteriorating health. According to an official statement, the removal was carried out in compliance with Delhi High Court directives, which had previously mandated that authorities monitor Wangchuk’s health and provide essential medical care
should his condition become critical. The court had observed that the life of any citizen is precious
when ordering the medical intervention.
Media additions
The scene at Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning was marked by confusion and tension. Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party — a movement born from a judge’s past comparison of unemployed youth to insects — allege that the police action was coercive. While authorities stated that slight commotion ensued
when protesters attempted to block the transfer, activist group members described the move as an abduction conducted without the consent of the activist or his family. Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, expressed concern following the move, asserting that medical decisions should involve both the family and the personal doctors who monitored the fast.
Escalation of the movement
The police operation has triggered a rapid hardening of the movement's stance. Shortly after Wangchuk was removed, Cockroach Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced he would begin an indefinite hunger strike in protest of the administration's handling of the demonstration. Dipke alleged that he was beaten and detained by police during the incident, claims that the Delhi Police have denied. The police maintained that they acted with restraint and were merely fulfilling their legal mandate.
The protest at Jantar Mantar persists despite the hospitalisation. Three students affiliated with the All India Students’ Association, Neha, Aameen, and Manish, remain on hunger strike at the site. The Cockroach Party has confirmed that its planned Chalo Sansad
march to Parliament remains scheduled for 20 July 2026.
Context of the protest
The hunger strike is rooted in broader national frustration regarding the integrity of India’s education sector. Protesters are calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, sweeping structural reforms to the examination process to prevent future leaks, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide linked to examination failures or result scandals.
Public outrage over the medical entrance exam process has been building for months. Previously, 2.2 million aspiring medical students were forced to sit for a re-examination under tight security after authorities scrapped the initial test following a significant paper leak. The current unrest serves as a focal point for thousands of aspirants who view the testing system as fundamentally flawed.
The movement has also attracted support from opposition parties, further complicating the administration's position. While the Delhi Police have urged those at Jantar Mantar to vacate the area, the movement shows signs of entrenching itself further. With the legislative session beginning on Monday, the focus now shifts to whether the government will engage in dialogue with the protesters or if the security measures around the capital’s protest grounds will be further intensified.
Despite his removal, reports indicate Wangchuk remains stable but weak as he continues under observation at Safdarjung Hospital. Meanwhile, authorities have deployed additional paramilitary soldiers and maintained barricades around the Jantar Mantar grounds to manage the ongoing unrest.
