CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke addresses supporters as Activist Sonam Wangchuk is shifted to a hospital from Jantar Mantar. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, Jul 18: On Saturday, Abhijit Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), declared the start of an indefinite hunger strike shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk was transferred by Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital from the protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Dipke announced his hunger strike via a social media post, stating, “I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now.”
Wangchuk was moved to the hospital early Saturday morning due to health concerns, following medical advice and directives from the Delhi High Court, as he was on the 21st day of his indefinite fast.
Hospital officials reported that Wangchuk is currently under medical evaluation.
"Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for necessary health care. He is experiencing weakness due to extended fasting and dehydration. While he is stable at the moment, he requires ongoing observation and treatment to restore his health," a source indicated.
In response to the police's actions, Dipke claimed he was assaulted and detained by Delhi Police during what he described as a crackdown on protesters at Jantar Mantar.
He recounted that after visiting a friend's house to refresh, he was allegedly beaten by police and held for a brief period. Dipke has called for nationwide protests against the police's actions.
Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days, waves as he is shifted to a hospital. (Photo:PTI)
According to the Delhi police, Wangchuk was moved for "essential medical care" based on expert medical advice and in accordance with the high court's orders.
Some protesters attempted to obstruct the transfer, resulting in a brief disturbance; however, police maintained maximum restraint and successfully completed the operation.
The police urged protesters to conclude their agitation and peacefully vacate the protest site as soon as possible.
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Meanwhile, Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk's wife, has insisted that no medical treatment should be administered to him without her approval.
"He is at Safdarjung Hospital. I forbid them from administering anything without my consent. No treatment should start without my consent. I hold everybody accountable if anything happens," Angmo stated.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, advocating for the CJP-led protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported deaths of students linked to this issue.
On Friday night, Wangchuk expressed his determination to continue the fast despite his deteriorating health, stating he had "lost 20 percent of my body" during the hunger strike.
"Governments have fallen over the price of onions. I have lost 20 percent of my body. It is time for this government to listen to the voice of the youth," he remarked in a video message.
Dipke's announcement coincided with ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, where AISA activists Neha, Aameen, and Manish continued their hunger strike following Wangchuk's hospitalization.
