Delhi police forcibly moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday due to health concerns after his 20-day hunger strike protesting India’s examination system, as reported by The Guardian.
The 59-year-old engineer, known for Himalayan water conservation, started fasting on June 28 to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following alleged medical exam irregularities.
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Hundreds of students joined Wangchuk at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, alongside online protests by the satirical Cockroach Janta party.
A deputy commissioner of Delhi police issued an official statement regarding the intervention after a New Delhi court ordered government doctors to monitor the activist daily.
"As per the orders of … high court and on expert medical advice due to deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care," said the deputy commissioner.
The authorities reported resistance from the crowd during the transfer process at the protest site.
"While complying with the orders … the protesters tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued," the statement added.
The police official then directed the remaining crowd to clear the demonstration area.
"We request the protesters at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest," the statement concluded.
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A video from the scene captured confusion among supporters as police used white sheets to move Wangchuk from the stage.
