Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Day 21 of Hunger Strike; CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Begins Indefinite Fast
New Delhi | July 18, 2026 — Climate reformer Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police after 21 days of hunger strike, citing health deterioration. In response, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has commenced an indefinite hunger strike protesting the police action.
What Happened
NEW DELHI | July 18, 2026 — In a major development, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from his protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. According to the Delhi Police, the medical transfer was carried out following orders from the Delhi High Court and expert medical advice due to his worsening health condition. Protesters and CJP organizers, however, alleged that the police used excessive force to remove Wangchuk and assaulted peaceful demonstrators. Delhi Police Version: The police stated that they acted in compliance with the Delhi High Court directives to safeguard the activist's life. "A few protesters tried to obstruct the medical transfer, which required a heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces to maintain law and order," a senior police official stated. Barricades were placed around Jantar Mantar, parts of New Delhi district, and Safdarjung Hospital to prevent security breaches. Family & Doctors' Position: Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, expressed strong concern regarding the police intervention. She insisted that no food, medicine, or intravenous (IV) treatment should be administered to him without the explicit consent of his family and the medical team that has been monitoring him during the 21-day hunger strike. CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Begins Hunger Strike: Immediately following the police action, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, announced that he is beginning an indefinite hunger strike in protest against what he described as the "forcible removal and assault of peaceful protesters by the government." "Delhi Police forcibly removed Sonam sir and assaulted students and protesters who were standing guard. This government is trying to crush a peaceful civic movement by force. I am entering an indefinite hunger strike from this very hour," Dipke announced in a public statement. Dipke declared that despite the police crackdown and hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk, the planned July 20 'Chalo Sansad' Parliament march will continue as scheduled. The protest is expected to expand into nationwide demonstrations seeking accountability from the highest levels of government. Conflicting Claims & Verification: The situation remains tense as conflicting narratives emerge: the authorities maintain that the hospitalization was a medically necessary measure authorized by the High Court, while the CJP and student groups claim suppression of democratic dissent. Verification of the allegations of assault remains dependent on official inquiry, medical records, and video footage from Jantar Mantar.
Verified Media & Statements
Why It Matters
The hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk on Day 21 and the subsequent launch of an indefinite fast by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke mark a critical turning point in the youth-led accountability movement. It increases friction between the authorities and student bodies just two days before the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and the planned July 20 march, escalating the nationwide debate on competitive exam leaks and democratic protest boundaries.
Timeline
- June 28, 2026: Sonam Wangchuk begins his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. - July 17, 2026: Hunger strike completes 20 days; health indicators continue to drop. - July 18, 2026 (Today): Sonam Wangchuk is shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Delhi Police deploy heavy forces. CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke starts indefinite fast in protest. - July 20, 2026: Planned 'Chalo Sansad' Parliament march to go ahead despite police restrictions.
Background & Context
The protest began on June 20, 2026, over alleged systemic corruption and paper leaks in the NEET-UG competitive examinations, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest via an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, amplifying the movement's visibility and civil society participation.
Key People Involved
- Sonam Wangchuk: Climate activist shifted to hospital on Day 21 of hunger strike. - Abhijeet Dipke: CJP Founder who commenced an indefinite hunger strike in protest. - Gitanjali J. Angmo: Wife of Sonam Wangchuk, demanding consent for any medical treatment. - Dharmendra Pradhan: Union Education Minister, whose resignation remains the core demand of the protest.
Public & Political Reaction
The forced removal of Sonam Wangchuk and the police deployment have provoked sharp reactions on social media. Citizens and student organizations have expressed deep concern over his health and safety, while opposition leaders have condemned the police action, demanding transparency and dialogue instead of suppression.
Future Implications
With CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke now on hunger strike and the July 20 Parliament march looming, the agitation is set to intensify. This development is likely to spark immediate debates in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with opposition MPs prepared to question the government's handling of student protests and examination leaks.
Official Statement
"No food, medicine, or IV treatment should be given without the consent of the family and his doctors who had been monitoring him during the hunger strike." — Gitanjali J. Angmo
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q.Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Safdarjung Hospital?
- According to the Delhi Police, the transfer was carried out in accordance with Delhi High Court orders and based on expert medical advice because his health had deteriorated on the 21st day of his hunger strike. CJP leaders allege that he was forcibly removed to suppress the movement.
- Q.Who is on hunger strike now?
- Following Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalization, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced an indefinite hunger strike protesting the police action.
- Q.Will the July 20 Parliament march still happen?
- Yes, CJP has announced that the planned Parliament march ('Chalo Sansad') on July 20 will proceed as scheduled, and the protest will expand into nationwide demonstrations.