Key facts
- Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has petitioned an Indian court to transfer him from a government hospital to a private facility.
- Angmo claims Wangchuk is under "illegal detention" with restricted movement.
- Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital against his will by security personnel.
- The hospital reports Wangchuk's vital signs are stable but require continuous monitoring.
- Wangchuk's protest fast began on June 28, linked to demands for the education minister's resignation over exam leaks.
Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has filed a court petition to move the activist from a government hospital to a private facility, citing "illegal detention" and restricted movement. Wangchuk, 59, has been fasting since June 28 in solidarity with a youth group demanding the resignation of Federal Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent exam paper leaks that affected millions of students.
Angmo stated on social media that despite repeated requests, the hospital refused to discharge Wangchuk or allow his transfer to a private hospital of their choice. She reported that approximately 30 police personnel were stationed on their floor and over 100 across the hospital, severely restricting their movement. Wangchuk was reportedly moved to the state-run Safdarjung Hospital against his wishes by security personnel on Saturday, and on Friday, he had told doctors he did not wish to be hospitalized.
Hospital authorities on Sunday confirmed Wangchuk's vital parameters were stable but noted marginally altered blood parameters, requiring sustained medical intervention and round-the-clock monitoring. Phone calls to the hospital and its director's office went unanswered. The Delhi Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Previously, on Thursday, the Delhi High Court had asked authorities to closely monitor Wangchuk's health and intervene if necessary, following a petition to force-feed him due to his deteriorating health. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), formed by Indian youths, plans to march to Parliament on Monday to press their demands.