Sonam Wangchuk, Music composer Vishal Dadlani and veteran actor Prakash Raj have strongly criticised the Union government following the removal of climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Their reactions came after Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to a hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, citing concerns over his deteriorating health, medical advice, and compliance with a Delhi High Court order.
While the police maintained that the transfer was carried out to safeguard Wangchuk’s health and that only minimal force was used during the operation, his supporters alleged that he was removed without his consent and described the action as a crackdown on a peaceful democratic protest.
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The incident has sparked political and public debate, with several prominent personalities voicing their opinions on the manner in which the protest was handled.
Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After 21-Day Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in the early hours of July 18 after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike.
According to Delhi Police, the activist was shifted to a hospital after his health condition deteriorated. Authorities stated that the decision was based on medical advice and taken in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had asked officials to ensure close monitoring of Wangchuk’s health during the prolonged fast.
Police said that although some protesters briefly attempted to obstruct the transfer, officers exercised restraint and used only minimal force while carrying out the operation.
Vishal Dadlani Expresses Anger Over the Incident
Music composer Vishal Dadlani reacted strongly to Wangchuk’s removal by sharing a video on his Instagram account.
In the video, Dadlani criticised the government’s action and questioned the manner in which the activist was taken away from the protest site.
He said:
“Have you ever seen such cowardice? They forcefully took away Sonam ji. What they are doing to this country… Breaks my heart, it breaks my heart. My countrymen, when will you wake up? If you don’t wake up now, when will you wake up? I don’t know what to say, I don’t know what to think… I just wish I was there to help in some way. My brain is bursting with anger right now.”
Through his statement, Dadlani expressed disappointment and anger over the developments at Jantar Mantar and appealed to citizens to pay attention to the issue.
Prakash Raj Calls Government “Coward”
Veteran actor Prakash Raj also criticised the government’s handling of the protest through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
In his message, the actor described the administration as a “coward government” and alleged that it had chosen force instead of dialogue.
Prakash Raj wrote:
“World is witnessing a Coward government who don’t want to engage in a dialogue with the youth but want to behave like Dictators. Forcibly taking away @Wangchuk66 and disrupting students’ peaceful protest is a sign of fear. What a SHAME.”
His remarks added to the growing reactions from public figures following Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site.
Delhi Police Explain the Hospital Transfer
Delhi Police stated that Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital because of his deteriorating health condition after 21 days of fasting.
According to police officials, the transfer was carried out following medical advice and in accordance with the Delhi High Court’s directions regarding Wangchuk’s health monitoring.
Police further stated that while there was a brief attempt by some protesters to obstruct the operation, officers exercised restraint throughout the process and only minimal force was used to complete the transfer safely.
The police rejected suggestions that the operation was intended to suppress the protest.
Supporters Allege Forced Removal
Supporters of Sonam Wangchuk disputed the police version of events.
According to those associated with the protest, Wangchuk was removed from the protest site without his consent. They alleged that the action represented a crackdown on a peaceful democratic movement.
Supporters argued that the hunger strike was being conducted peacefully and questioned the decision to remove the activist from Jantar Mantar.
The differing accounts from police and protesters have become one of the central issues surrounding the incident.
Background of Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations across the country.
The protest gained attention amid concerns over the integrity of public examinations, particularly following allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk has maintained that accountability is necessary to restore public confidence in India’s examination system.
NEET Paper Leak Controversy
The hunger strike is linked to broader concerns over alleged examination irregularities, particularly the controversy surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
The controversy involved allegations of question paper leaks, examination irregularities and claims that some candidates received unfair advantages during the medical entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Public concern intensified after an unusually high number of candidates secured top scores and perfect marks, leading to demands from students for greater transparency, accountability and, in some cases, a re-examination.
The issue triggered protests in different parts of the country and raised wider questions about trust in the examination system.
Government agencies initiated investigations into the allegations to determine the extent of any irregularities.
Protest Sparks National Debate
The removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar has generated widespread discussion among political leaders, activists and public figures.
While authorities have maintained that the hospital transfer was undertaken solely to protect Wangchuk’s health, supporters continue to question the manner in which the operation was carried out.
The reactions from Vishal Dadlani and Prakash Raj have further amplified public attention on the incident, bringing renewed focus to the ongoing debate over the handling of peaceful protests and the concerns raised by students and activists.
Key Developments
- Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike.
- Delhi Police said the transfer was based on medical advice and carried out in compliance with a Delhi High Court order.
- Police stated that only minimal force was used after some protesters briefly obstructed the operation.
- Supporters alleged Wangchuk was removed without his consent and described the action as a crackdown on a peaceful protest.
- Vishal Dadlani criticised the government’s action through an Instagram video.
- Prakash Raj called the government a “coward” in a post on X.
- Wangchuk’s hunger strike is linked to his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.
- The controversy has reignited discussions on examination reforms, democratic protests and public accountability.
The removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar after 21 days of his indefinite hunger strike has drawn widespread attention across the country. While Delhi Police maintain that the hospital transfer was carried out on medical advice and in accordance with the Delhi High Court’s directions, supporters continue to allege that the activist was removed without his consent.
The strong reactions from Vishal Dadlani and Prakash Raj have added a prominent public voice to the debate, highlighting concerns over the handling of peaceful protests and the importance of dialogue in a democratic society. As Wangchuk remains under medical supervision and his protest continues to generate attention, the issue is likely to remain at the centre of public and political discussion.
That’s very bad with sonam wangchuk. We are with you Sonam sir. Good report.
What’s going onn , when the govt takes action in a good way …