Sonam Wangchuk, who has been fasting at Jantar Mantar for the past 20 days, was taken to the hospital by the Delhi Police on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, Kakroach Janata Party leader Abhijit Deepak announced on Saturday that he would go on an indefinite hunger strike. Deepak alleged that he was prevented from entering the Jantar-Mantar protest site. He also alleged that the Delhi Police beat him up and arrested him.
The Delhi Police urged the protesters to vacate the Jantar Mantar as soon as possible. A large number of police were deployed at the protest site after Wangchuk was taken to hospital. The incident happened just two days before Wangchuk and his supporters planned to march on parliament in July. On Friday, Abhijeet alleged that Wangchuk was attacked at the Jantar Mantar protest site.
Sonam’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo came to the hospital after the police took her to the hospital. According to a media source, Gitanjali has made it clear to the hospital authorities that she will not give any medicine to her husband without a doctor’s examination and consent. He also requested not to treat Sonam without his permission. Sonam has been on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 20 days demanding the resignation of the education minister and five other demands. Sonam’s wife Gitanjali met him on Friday and urged him to break his fast but he insisted that he would continue.
Delhi Police said in a statement that Wangchuk has been admitted to the hospital for necessary treatment as per the advice of expert doctors and orders of the Delhi High Court. After he was taken to the hospital, the police urged the protesters gathered at the Jantar Mantar to leave the venue immediately and peacefully. A large number of police are currently deployed at the spot.