Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised Amid Hunger Strike; Wife Demands Consent for Treatment
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for 20 days, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police early Saturday. His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has asserted that no treatment should be administered without her consent.
Angmo posted on social media: 'I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where @Wangchuk66 has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenous without consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days.'
Wangchuk, 59, has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over an alleged leak of the NEET examination paper. He had planned to lead a protest march to Parliament on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session.
His wife questioned the need for hospitalisation, stating that he appeared fine on Friday. 'Yesterday, he was doing fine. There was no need to bring him to the hospital. It's my right under Article 32,' she told news agency PTI.
The Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted for 'essential medical care' on expert medical advice and in compliance with a Delhi High Court order. The police appealed to protesters at Jantar Mantar to 'peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.'
On Friday, Wangchuk had urged supporters to ensure a large turnout for the march, saying, 'I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy.' He added in a lighter vein, 'I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don't come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost.'
The Delhi High Court had earlier this week directed the authorities to ensure Wangchuk's health is monitored and to take necessary action if his condition deteriorates. The court was hearing a petition regarding the fast.
Wangchuk's fast has drawn attention to the NEET paper leak allegations, which have sparked protests by students across the country. The government has denied any leak and promised a thorough investigation.
