‘Essential medical care’: Why Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police | Delhi News
NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police early on Saturday and shifted to a hospital after his hunger strike against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination entered its 21st day.The move came two days before Wangchuk and his supporters were scheduled to march to Parliament on July 20 to press for their demands, including the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged nationwide examination irregularities.The health ministry on Thursday ordered medical teams from RML Hospital, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College to carry out twice-daily health checks on Wangchuk and the other protesters. It also asked the hospitals to maintain 24-hour nursing support, ensure emergency medical preparedness and file daily health updates after Delhi Police flagged concerns over the protesters’ deteriorating condition.High court order preceded police actionPolice said the decision was taken in compliance with a Delhi high court order and on the advice of medical experts who assessed Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.“As per orders of Hon’ble high court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care.While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued, however police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”A heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel was seen at the protest site following Wangchuk’s hospitalisation. Further details regarding his condition and the circumstances leading to his hospitalisation are awaited.“As per orders of Hon’ble high court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued, however police took maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely. We request the protestors at Jantar Mantar to peacefully vacate the place at the earliest,” DCP said in a statement.The court observed that “the life of every citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same.” It also directed that any medical intervention required, based on the opinion of government doctors, be provided.The directions were passed by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia while disposing of a public interest litigation expressing concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.Health indicators showed continued declineAccording to Dr Satish Lamba of the Delhi Medical Association, Wangchuk’s health parameters on Friday showed his weight at 56.55kg, a reduction of 350g in 24 hours. His blood pressure was recorded at 108/68, blood sugar at 70mg/dL and pulse rate at 72 per minute.Late on Friday night, Abhijeet Dipke, founding president of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alleged that Wangchuk was attacked at the protest site in Jantar Mantar. There was no immediate official confirmation of the allegation.Opposition leaders extend supportSeveral opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar on Friday to express solidarity and enquire about his health. Among those who met him were Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, SP MP Dimple Yadav, Congress leader Pawan Khera and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray.Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the Centre over Wangchuk’s hunger strike, calling it the “most insensitive government” and alleging that the government had failed to respond to the activist’s demands despite his prolonged fast.AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan also appealed to the Centre to hold talks with Wangchuk and consider his demands, while urging students and parents to support the activist.What is Wangchuk demanding?Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged nationwide examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy.He and his supporters had also announced a march to Parliament on July 20 to press for their demands.
