Activist’s Health Decline Prompts Hospitalization Amid Protests
Police in New Delhi have transferred activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital following a deterioration in his health after a 20-day hunger strike. The strike is part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s movement advocating for educational reforms.
Security has been increased at Jantar Mantar, a key protest site in New Delhi, where Wangchuk had been demonstrating alongside party activists and students. The protestors are calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, citing allegations of leaked exam papers.
The movement is also demanding comprehensive changes to the examination system and compensation for families affected by student suicides linked to exam-related issues.
Wangchuk, a 59-year-old engineer and educational reform advocate, became a symbolic figure for the party. The Cockroach Janta Party was formed after Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remarks comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches,” which the group adopted as a symbol of resilience, rapidly gaining popularity on social media.
According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk’s hospitalization was necessary due to health concerns, and a minor altercation occurred as protesters attempted to prevent his transfer.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma stated that Wangchuk was moved to a government hospital based on medical advice and a court order. “Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has been taken from here to an appropriate government hospital, a much-needed medical intervention, under medical supervision,” Sharma confirmed.
However, the Cockroach Party claimed via social media that Wangchuk was “forcefully abducted” without consent, just days before a planned march to the Indian Parliament.
Saurav Das, the party’s chief spokesperson, contested the police’s narrative, arguing that no court order was issued for Wangchuk’s removal. He also criticized the lack of a recent medical examination and suggested the authorities were attempting to stifle the protest’s growing momentum.
In response to Wangchuk’s transfer, Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University student and founder of the Cockroach Party, declared his intention to begin a hunger strike and called for nationwide demonstrations.
Dipke accused the police of using excessive force to remove Wangchuk, likening it to a “kidnapping” by “criminals and goons.” He emphasized that the planned march to Parliament would proceed as scheduled when the new session begins.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, addressed a letter to Safdarjung Hospital, expressing concerns over the transparency of the situation and requesting that her husband be transferred to a medical facility of their choice. She also insisted that no medical treatment be administered without her approval.
Authorities have strengthened security measures around Jantar Mantar, deploying additional police and paramilitary forces and erecting barricades. Police have urged protesters to remain cooperative under the heightened security environment.
