Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) & Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike after concerns were raised over his deteriorating health condition. The move was carried out after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to ensure that Wangchuk’s health was closely monitored during his ongoing protest.
According to Wangchuk’s wife, the activist has not ended his hunger strike even after being admitted to the hospital. She said that he is continuing his fast and is taking only salt and water.
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk’s condition have raised concerns over the health risks associated with prolonged fasting. Medical experts have flagged the possibility of Hypokalemia, a condition caused by low potassium levels in the body, which can lead to serious complications if not monitored properly.
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The development has also led to political reactions, with Wangchuk’s supporters alleging that he was forcibly removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. However, Delhi Police denied the allegations and said the transfer was conducted on medical advice and in compliance with the court’s directions.
Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After Health Concerns
Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital after completing 21 days of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
The decision to move him to the hospital came after medical concerns emerged regarding his health condition during the prolonged fast. The Delhi High Court had directed authorities to ensure proper medical monitoring of Wangchuk’s health.
Delhi Police stated that the hospital transfer was carried out after doctors advised medical intervention due to his deteriorating condition. The police also maintained that the action was taken in accordance with the court’s directions.
Wife Says Wangchuk Continues Hunger Strike
After his hospitalisation, Wangchuk’s wife said that he continues to remain on hunger strike.
She stated that the activist is only consuming salt and water and has not withdrawn his protest. The statement clarified that the hospital admission was related to medical monitoring and did not mark the end of his hunger strike.
The continued fasting has raised concerns among doctors, who are closely observing his health parameters.
Doctors Warn of Hypokalemia Risk
Medical experts have expressed concerns over the impact of prolonged fasting on Wangchuk’s health.
Doctors monitoring his condition have flagged the risk of Hypokalemia, which occurs when potassium levels in the body fall below normal. Potassium is essential for maintaining proper functioning of muscles, nerves and the heart.
Experts have also stated that Wangchuk has entered the third stage of prolonged fasting, a phase where serious health complications may develop and continuous medical supervision becomes important.
Doctors are keeping a close watch on his condition and conducting necessary health assessments.
Supporters Protest at Jantar Mantar
Following Wangchuk’s shift to the hospital, protests broke out at Jantar Mantar.
His supporters alleged that he was removed from the protest site against his wishes. They questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out and raised concerns over the police action.
The incident led to a heated situation at the protest venue, with supporters expressing anger over Wangchuk’s removal.
Allegations of Police Force During Transfer
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), alleged that Sonam Wangchuk was dragged away from the protest site against his will.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das also alleged that police detained activists and used force against students who were present during the protest.
The allegations led to further political discussion over the manner in which Wangchuk was shifted from Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police Reject Allegations
Delhi Police denied the allegations made by Wangchuk’s supporters.
Police officials stated that only a minor commotion took place during the operation and that officers exercised restraint while carrying out their duties.
According to Delhi Police, the decision to shift Wangchuk to the hospital was based on medical advice and was carried out to ensure his health and safety.
Union Health Ministry Keeps Medical Teams Ready
Before Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, the Union Health Ministry had directed major government hospitals to remain prepared for any emergency situation related to the prolonged hunger strike.
The ministry instructed:
- RML Hospital
- VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital
- Lady Hardinge Medical College
to keep emergency medical teams on standby and conduct regular health examinations of Wangchuk and other protesters.
The move was aimed at ensuring immediate medical assistance if any serious health concerns developed.
Reason Behind Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest is linked to allegations of examination irregularities across the country, including concerns surrounding the NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk has continued his protest while demanding accountability over issues related to the examination system.
Key Developments in Sonam Wangchuk Case
- Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike.
- The Delhi High Court directed authorities to ensure close monitoring of his health.
- His wife said Wangchuk continues his fast and is consuming only salt and water.
- Doctors raised concerns over Hypokalemia due to prolonged fasting.
- Supporters alleged forced removal from Jantar Mantar, while Delhi Police denied the claims.
- The Union Health Ministry had directed hospitals to keep emergency medical teams ready.
- Wangchuk continues his protest over alleged examination irregularities and has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Sonam Wangchuk remains under medical observation at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted from Jantar Mantar on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. While his wife has stated that he continues fasting and is consuming only salt and water, doctors have raised concerns over possible health complications linked to prolonged fasting, including the risk of Hypokalemia.
The hospitalisation has also triggered political reactions, with supporters alleging that Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site, while Delhi Police maintained that the transfer was conducted on medical advice and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions. As Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, doctors remain focused on monitoring his health condition.
