Sonam Wangchuk forcibly removed by police after 20-day hunger strike

Indian authorities forcibly removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site in New Delhi on Saturday, July 18, 2026, ending his 20-day hunger strike. The operation at Jantar Mantar, a historic site housing 18th-century astronomical devices, resulted in a swift and chaotic scene as police covered the activist with bedsheets before moving him into an ambulance. The intervention occurred around 07:30 local time.

Wangchuk, a 59-year-old engineer known for his environmental work in the Himalayas, had been consuming only salt and water since June 28. His protest sought to hold the federal government accountable for systemic failures in India’s high-stakes examination sector. The movement gained national attention following a string of scandals, including a major medical entrance exam leak that necessitated a re-test for 2.2 million students. Protesters allege these failures have caused deep psychological distress among the youth, with reports of student suicides tied to the controversy.

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The government's intervention followed a directive from the Delhi High Court, which had instructed officials on Thursday to monitor the activist’s health and ensure necessary medical intervention. Sachin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, stated the removal was a safety-oriented measure.

"Sonam Wangchuk has been moved to a government hospital for much-needed medical intervention and is currently under medical supervision"

Sachin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, via BBC

Police noted that the move was based on expert advice regarding the activist's dehydration and physical frailty. Dr. Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, later reported that Wangchuk was fully alert and stable, though weak from the fast.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the satirical movement Wangchuk supported, characterizes the state’s action as a hostile abduction. The group claims authorities acted without the consent of Wangchuk or his family. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has demanded transparency from Safdarjung Hospital, stating:

"Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenous[ly] without taking consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days"

Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of Sonam Wangchuk, via BBC

Despite the hospitalization, the protest movement has escalated. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced he is initiating an indefinite hunger strike to take Wangchuk's place. Dipke criticized the police tactics, stating:

"If they think that taking Wangchuk away will end this movement, they are mistaken. We will remain here, and will march to parliament on 20 July"

Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder, via BBC

Following the removal, the movement expanded its list of demands; leadership is now calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in addition to the previously demanded resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Context and Developments

• Monday, July 20, 2026: Supporters remain committed to a planned march to India's parliament, coinciding with the opening of its legislative session.
• Security Developments: Authorities have deployed additional police and paramilitary forces, and erected new barricades around the Jantar Mantar protest grounds and the hospital.
• Origins of the Movement: The CJP adopted its name after Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches" during a hearing. The movement subsequently amassed millions of followers on social media.
• Political Response: While the government has not engaged with the protestors, several opposition members have publicly criticized the police action, with some describing it as an assault on democracy.