NEW DELHI — High-altitude climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids and critical medications after being forcibly shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on Saturday morning.
The 59-year-old activist was entered into the medical facility at 7:40 AM following a 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where he had been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET paper leak discrepancies.
Medical Stance and Institutional Standoff
The sudden police action and subsequent hospitalization have triggered an immediate standoff between medical authorities, law enforcement, and the activist’s family:
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Refusal of Treatment: A medical bulletin released by Safdarjung Hospital confirmed that while clinical teams advised the administration of intravenous fluids and oral rehydration solutions, Wangchuk has declined all medical interventions. Doctors report he is conscious with stable vitals but exhibits clear signs of acute dehydration and generalized weakness.
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Legal & Police Mandate: The Delhi Police executed the evacuation from the protest site following a directive from the Delhi High Court, which instructed the Centre and state authorities to “do whatever it takes” to preserve the activist’s life amid reports that he had lost 9 kilograms, threatening his vital organs.
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Family Intervention: Shortly after the admission, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, formally requested the hospital administration to halt all medical procedures without her direct consent, demanding his immediate discharge and alleging a systemic lack of transparency in his clinical management.
On-Ground Monitoring: Safdarjung Hospital authorities stated that specialized medical teams are continuously tracking his vital parameters while actively counseling the activist to accept clinical support in the interest of his immediate health stability.
