3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jul 18, 2026 08:15 AM IST
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the past 20 days, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital in south Delhi on Saturday morning amid a heavy police deployment at the protest site.
The development came a day after Anurag Kumar assumed charge as the Delhi Police Commissioner.
The police action sparked a brief commotion at Jantar Mantar as some supporters attempted to prevent Wangchuk from being taken away. Delhi Police, however, said the move was carried out in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court and on expert medical advice, citing the activist’s deteriorating health condition.
#WATCH | Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was sitting on a hunger strike from last 20 days at Jantar Mantar, taken to the hospital by the police.
More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/81DTO3cyh4
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts, citing his deteriorating health condition.
In a post on X, the Delhi Police Commissioner said, “As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police exercised maximum restraint and carried out the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”
As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care.
While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create…— DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) July 18, 2026
Delhi Police also appealed to the demonstrators to disperse peacefully, saying, “We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”
Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day on Saturday and has drawn support from several civil society groups and activists.
Meanwhile, Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, alleged during an Instagram Live session that he had stepped out to brush at a friend’s residence but was prevented by Delhi Police from leaving. Claiming he had effectively been placed under house arrest, Dipke showed the gate of the housing society locked, with a Delhi Police personnel stationed outside.
Earlier in the day, some protesters alleged on social media that an attempt had been made to attack Wangchuk. However, there was no indication that he had sustained any serious injuries, and no such injury was officially reported.
Further details are awaited.