Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began the 21st day of a hunger strike in the national capital on Saturday, was picked up by police and reportedly transferred to a hospital. 

This comes as a planned march from Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi to the Indian Parliament on July 20 gained traction on social media. 

Protesters and students have been demanding the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over an entrance exam scandal that impacted millions of students.

Wangchuk, 59, ⁠has been ⁠fasting since June 28 in solidarity with India's students and youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). According to CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke, as of Friday, Wangchuk had lost about 8.7 kg (19.1 pounds), was visibly weak and had lost considerable muscle mass.

On Friday, when Wangchuk was asked if he wanted to be hospitalized, the activist said: "They don't understand this is not a disease or a disorder. This is a self chosen fast."

 

Police say Wangchuk transferred on court orders

"As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advise due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care," the New Delhi deputy commissioner of police posted on X. 

The post alleged that protesters on site "tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued," but authorities exercised "maximum restrain and undertook the exercise safely."

They have now "requested" protesters camping at the historical site of Jantar Mantar to vacate the grounds.

'Cockroach' party raises alarm, claims Dipke 'beaten up'

Leaders of the youth-led political pressure group Cockroach Janta Party alleged that police authorities had "forcefully" taken Wangchuk to an "undisclosed location."

The CJP posted a video on Instagram showing a number of men in civilian clothing marching onto the stage where Wangchuk was resting. 

CJP supporters present on stage attempted to block the men, which led to scuffles, while authorities opened up white sheets to block the view of them detaining Wangchuk. 

Dipke, who was not in close proximity with Wangchuk at the time, said he was stopped from going to the site by authorities. "Delhi Police is cracking down at Jantar Mantar. Beating up people and taking away Sonam sir forcefully," he said in a post X, minutes before the Instagram video went up. 

Another post followed: "I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police."

According to the CJP, Dipke is now on an indefinite hunger strike.

"If they think that taking Sonam Sir away will end this movement, they are mistaken. We will remain here, and will march to Parliament on July 20," press agency ANI quote Dipke saying.

"Until now, we were demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, but after this despicable act, we will now demand the resignation of Narendra Modi," he said, speaking of the Indian Prime Minister.

The recent court hearing

Earlier this week, the New Delhi High Court directed the central and Delhi state governments to monitor Wangchuk's deteriorating health and provide urgent medical care. The government had agreed to monitor Wangchuk regularly.

This was in response to a petition filed by an advocate seeking medical intervention for Wangchuk and requesting the court to force-feed the activist, citing precedent where protesters had been given necessary supplements and intravenous nutrients to save their lives. 

The court had not commented on the idea of force-feeding. 

Hunger strikes, also a weapon of choice for the "Father of the Nation," Mahatma Gandhi, are widely used in India to show dissent and are considered a peaceful form of protest.

Edited by: Sean Sinico 

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