By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk was on Saturday forcibly shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital as his indefinite fast entered 21st day triggering sharp criticism from his supporters and opposition leaders who accused the authorities of cracking down on a peaceful protest.
Wangchuk had been fasting at Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations and seeking sweeping reforms in the country’s examination system. His protest had drawn widespread support from students, activists and civil society groups across the country.
According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was taken to hospital on medical advice after his health deteriorated due to prolonged fasting. Officials said the action was carried out in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court, which had instructed authorities to closely monitor his health and intervene if necessary. Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital later said the 59-year-old activist was stable but required continuous medical observation because of dehydration and physical weakness caused by the fast.
However, Wangchuk’s associates alleged that police forcibly removed him from the protest site in the early hours, without informing supporters or family members in advance. His wife questioned the need for hospitalization and said no treatment should be administered without his consent. The protest site at Jantar Mantar was subsequently cleared by police, leading to tense scenes.
Following Wangchuk’s removal, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would continue the agitation by launching his own indefinite hunger strike. The organization has also called for a protest march to Parliament, maintaining that the campaign for transparent examinations and accountability would continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalization.