New Delhi, July 18 (UNI) The protest at Jantar Mantar took a new turn on Saturday after Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke launched an indefinite hunger strike, hours after social activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed by Delhi Police from the protest site and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.
In a post on social media platform X, Dipke wrote, “I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now.”
Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Dipke urged people to intensify the agitation. “I am commencing my indefinite hunger strike starting today. I appeal to everyone: do not back down; this movement will only grow larger. They have made a grave mistake. I urge everyone to come to Jantar Mantar; our movement will continue from here, and we will proceed with our march scheduled for July 20,” he said.
Earlier, while speaking to reporters, Dipke levelled serious allegations against the Delhi Police over Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site.
“At 7 AM, when I stepped out to freshen up, the police arrived here. They dragged Sonam Sir away while hurling abuse 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. When I received the news and was on my way to Jantar Mantar from my friend’s house, the police assaulted me as well,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, appealed for caution regarding his treatment after reaching Safdarjung Hospital.
“I am at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where @Wangchuk66 has been admitted. Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenous without the consent from me, his family and his doctors who have been monitoring his health for the past 20 days,” she posted on X.
Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police in the early hours of Saturday after completing 20 days of an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. He had been protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak while demanding the resignation of union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Delhi Police said the decision to hospitalise the 59-year-old activist was taken on expert medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court in view of his deteriorating health.
