What happened
Delhi Police removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar and shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital while he was on the 21st day of an indefinite hunger strike. The move came amid a protest atmosphere around Parliament and after the mobile internet in the area was briefly shut down.
At the hospital, Wangchuk refused intravenous and oral medical treatment. His wife asked that he be moved to a hospital of her choice. Police said the shift followed a Delhi High Court direction to closely monitor his health, while the court did not specifically order hospitalisation.
Background and earlier position
Jantar Mantar is a long-standing site for peaceful protest in New Delhi, and hunger strikes there have often drawn attention to policy disputes and civil-society demands. The present protest was linked to concerns about exam irregularities, and opposition leaders framed the police action as an attack on peaceful protest.
Police also briefly held Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the CJP, during the operation. Mr. Dipke later said supporters should gather at Jantar Mantar because police might clear the site overnight. He was later attacked with ink, and Delhi Police detained the attacker.
Related current affairs
- ‘Wangchuk not alone’: at least 21 refuse to end fast
- Hunger strike day 21: Police shift Wangchuk to hospital
- Delhi HC seeks medical reports of Wangchuk
- Hunger strike at Jantar Mantar medical bulletin: Wangchuk refuses medical help
- Wangchuk gone, spotlight moves to Dipke
- Protesters at Jantar Mantar, in front of police/medical action: ‘Wangchuk refusing medical help’ (Safdarjung bulletin)