NEW DELHI — The high-stakes demonstration over national examination integrity reached a critical juncture on Saturday morning as activist Sonam Wangchuk was clinically evacuated to Safdarjung Hospital. The medical intervention came on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
In a swift operational response to the evacuation, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke formally announced that he would instantly pick up the mantle, launching his own indefinite hunger strike at the protest site to keep the agitation active.
Clinical Report: Vital Parameter Degradation
Safdarjung Hospital authorities issued a formal medical update following the activist’s admission at 7:40 AM, which was executed by law enforcement following directives from the Delhi High Court:
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Diagnostic Summary: The clinical team reported that while Wangchuk remains stable, he exhibits profound systemic weakness and acute dehydration resulting from three weeks of food deprivation.
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Physical Depletion: Medical charts indicate that Wangchuk’s weight dropped by approximately 9.5 kilograms during the fast, representing a loss of nearly 20% of his baseline body weight. Specialists are currently monitoring his blood glucose and blood pressure curves to restore his metabolic balance.
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Unbroken Commitment: Before his transfer, Wangchuk reiterated his defiance, asserting that his physical relocation to a medical facility would not alter his fundamental support for the students’ cause.
Agitation Frontline: The Relay Fast Begins
The broader sit-in at Jantar Mantar has now entered its 25th day, transforming into a prominent focal point for student advocacy and opposition politics:
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The Core Grievance: The CJP-led agitation continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing administrative irregularities within the NEET examination framework and the subsequent toll on student mental health. Wangchuk had lent his support to this platform by commencing his fast on June 28.
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Transition of the Fast: To prevent any lull in momentum following the police intervention, Abhijeet Dipke utilized social media channels to declare the immediate commencement of his own indefinite hunger strike, maintaining an uninterrupted fast at the demonstration grounds.
