How Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk to hospital on Saturday morning: A blow-by-blow account

Delhi Police’s Early Morning Move: Sonam Wangchuk’s Hospital Transfer

How Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk – On the morning of 18 July, disorder broke out at Jantar Mantar as Delhi Police officers in civilian attire entered the protest area through the back gate. They swiftly transported Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital after his health declined, according to reports. The operation, described as a sudden and coordinated effort, left supporters stunned and sparked debates about the legality of the action.

Background on the Hunger Strike

Saturday marked the 21st day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike, part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The strike was tied to alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and other public assessments. The protest itself began on 20 June, but Wangchuk’s individual campaign started on June 28.

Witness Accounts and Protest Dynamics

Eye-witnesses reported that around 6:30 am, police teams draped white curtains over the protest stage to obscure the view. Using the sheets as a cover, they lifted Wangchuk in what supporters called a forceful extraction. Meanwhile, other officers blocked onlookers from reaching the stage. A contingent of uniformed personnel and Rapid Action Force members maintained a presence near the area.

“I was returning from Rajasthan. They told me Sonamji was forcibly taken by plainclothes policemen who used a curtain to hide the stage. They applied strong-arm tactics, beat some protestors, and stopped people from entering the venue,” said Saurav Das, a CJP spokesperson, after the incident.

Planning and Coordination

Senior officers had received instructions from Police Headquarters around 1:30 am to ensure Wangchuk’s medical examination and hospital admission. By 3 am, all New Delhi district police personnel gathered for a security drill ahead of the Monsoon Session. They were later directed to the Mandir Marg police station, where they learned Wangchuk would be removed from Jantar Mantar within “30 seconds.”

Officials also discussed deploying network jammers to disrupt video sharing during the operation, as reported by PTI. A final briefing at 5 am saw the Deputy Commissioner of Police outline the deployment plan before the move was executed. The sheets were used to prevent recordings of Wangchuk’s removal, according to a source.

Legal Framework and Police Orders

Delhi Police stated the action followed directives from the Delhi High Court and medical advice, citing the need for Wangchuk’s hospitalisation. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sharma confirmed the transfer was carried out in compliance with the court order after his health worsened.

Some supporters questioned which specific order the police were referencing. Others suggested it pertained to a court directive requiring police permission for protests at Jantar Mantar. While the CJP was allowed to hold a protest on 20 June until 5 am, they extended it beyond the designated time. Anurag Kumar, the new Delhi Police Commissioner, took over following the removal of Satish Golchha, who had allegedly struggled with managing the CJP protest.

Unapproved March and Legal Context

The CJP had planned a march to Parliament on 20 July, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. However, they had not yet sought formal permission for the event, as Delhi Police sources indicated. The early morning operation on Saturday was seen as a preemptive measure to secure Wangchuk’s health while maintaining control over the protest dynamics.