Key facts
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his hunger strike protest site by authorities.
- Wangchuk had been on hunger strike for 20 days, consuming only salt and water.
- He lost over 9kg and was in significant pain.
- The activist is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to an alleged exam paper leak.
- Police stated the move was made under a court order and based on medical advice.
- Opposition leaders have visited Wangchuk and urged government engagement.
Indian activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days, was forcibly removed from his protest site in Delhi and taken to a government hospital. Authorities stated the move was made in compliance with a court order and due to his deteriorating health, as he had lost over 9kg and was in significant pain while consuming only salt and water.
Wangchuk's protest aimed to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following allegations of a paper leak in a crucial entrance exam for aspiring doctors. Despite his weakened condition, Wangchuk had expressed his determination to participate in a planned march to India's parliament.
The Delhi High Court had previously ordered authorities to regularly monitor Wangchuk's health and provide necessary medical intervention. Opposition leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have visited Wangchuk to express solidarity and urged the government to engage with the protesters. However, the government has not yet formally responded to the demands, with Pradhan dismissing the movement.