Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police said the move was made following medical advice and directions of the Delhi High Court, while supporters alleged he was removed without consent.
The developments came a day after the Centre appointed a new Delhi Police Commissioner, following which police reportedly prepared a strategy to shift Wangchuk from the protest site.
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Key events:
- Friday, 11 pm: Police instruct SHOs in New Delhi district to report with personnel for a late-night deployment.
- 3 am: Officers assemble and are briefed on the plan to remove Wangchuk from the protest site.
- Around 6:30 am: Police, some in plain clothes, surround the stage and shift Wangchuk to an ambulance despite protesters forming a human chain.
- 7:40 am: Safdarjung Hospital confirms Wangchuk is mildly dehydrated but his vital signs are stable.
- Morning: Protest leaders allege Wangchuk was forcefully removed, while Delhi Police deny claims of lathicharge or illegal detention.
- 9 am: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announces an indefinite hunger strike after alleging he was assaulted and denied access to the protest site.
- 10 am: Social activist Yogendra Yadav joins protesters in solidarity as several opposition leaders condemn the police action.
- 1:10 pm: Protest organisers announce Wangchuk intends to return to Jantar Mantar after treatment.
- 1:30 pm: A woman throws an ink-like substance at Dipke during his address and is later detained.
- Afternoon: Wangchuk’s wife says he refused electrolyte supplements and continued his fast. She later claims his potassium levels had fallen sharply and seeks his transfer to another hospital.
- Evening: Rahul Gandhi, Anna Hazare, CPI(M) and CPI express support for Wangchuk, while security is tightened across Delhi ahead of a planned protest march on Monday.
