A fresh political controversy erupted in the national capital on Saturday after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke accused the Delhi Police of using force while removing activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar. The allegations came shortly after Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital.
Dipke alleged that police personnel arrived at the protest venue early in the morning and forcibly took Wangchuk away despite his fragile health. Addressing reporters, he claimed protesters were also mistreated during the operation.”At 7 AM, when I stepped out to freshen up, police goons arrived here. They dragged Sonam Sir away while hurling abuses at him. A 60-year-old man, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days and hadn’t eaten a thing, was forcibly dragged away by the Delhi Police. We have no idea where they have taken him,” Dipke alleged.
Dipke Claims He Was Also Assaulted
The CJP leader further alleged that he too was manhandled while trying to reach Jantar Mantar after learning about the police action.”When I received the news and was on my way to Jantar Mantar from my friend’s house, the police assaulted me as well. These aren’t police officers; they are RSS goons. I had returned to my country from abroad; am I a criminal? They are goons not police, but RSS goons,” he alleged.
His remarks have added to the political debate surrounding Wangchuk’s prolonged protest over the alleged NEET examination irregularities.
Police Say Hospital Shift Was Necessary
Delhi Police, however, maintained that Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital solely because of his deteriorating health and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
According to officials, the court had instructed authorities to conduct regular medical examinations of the activist during his indefinite fast. Police said repeated announcements were made at the protest venue informing demonstrators that the transfer was being carried out on medical advice and under judicial directions.
Hunger Strike Continues to Spark Political Debate
Wangchuk, 59, had been observing an indefinite hunger strike while demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His removal from the protest site triggered protests by CJP supporters, who accused authorities of suppressing a democratic movement.
The latest developments came a day after Dipke alleged that an object had been thrown at Wangchuk during the protest, raising concerns over the activist’s safety before he was eventually shifted to hospital.
While the allegations made by Dipke have intensified the political row, Delhi Police have maintained that their actions were guided by medical necessity and the directions of the Delhi High Court.
Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted from Jantar Mantar?
According to Delhi Police, Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital because his health had deteriorated after more than 20 days of fasting and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
What did Abhijit Dipke allege?
Abhijit Dipke alleged that Delhi Police forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest site, assaulted protesters, and also manhandled him while he was on his way to Jantar Mantar.
What was Sonam Wangchuk demanding through his hunger strike?
Wangchuk had been protesting over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
What is Delhi Police’s response to the allegations?
Delhi Police denied any wrongdoing and stated that Wangchuk was moved only for essential medical care under the High Court’s directions.
Where is Sonam Wangchuk now?
He has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi for medical treatment and observation after being shifted from the protest site.
