New Delhi, July 18, 2026: Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcefully removed from Jantar Mantar by the Delhi Police early on Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. The action came on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, which he was observing in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities and paper leaks. The removal has led to a new phase in the ongoing protest, with the CJP announcing fresh demonstrations, another indefinite hunger strike, and a planned march to Parliament.
Sonam Wangchuk Removed During Early Morning Operation
According to the available information, the Delhi Police carried out the operation during the early hours of Saturday. The police stated that the decision to remove Wangchuk was taken on medical advice and in compliance with a Delhi High Court order aimed at protecting his life. Officials said his health had deteriorated significantly during the hunger strike. It was reported that he had lost more than 8 kilograms and was suffering from dangerously low blood sugar, making immediate medical attention necessary. Following the operation, Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment and observation.
Coordinated Police Action at Jantar Mantar
The removal was described as a coordinated dawn operation carried out by police personnel in plain clothes. According to the information available, officers entered the protest site before sunrise and implemented a security operation that included:
- Deployment of a security drill
- Use of phone jammers
- Covering the protest stage with a white sheet to block media cameras
- Removal of Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site
The operation concluded with Wangchuk being transported directly to Safdarjung Hospital.
Current Health Status
The available information states that Sonam Wangchuk is currently stable at Safdarjung Hospital. It also mentions that he has refused intravenous medical interventions and medications without consent, even after being admitted to the hospital. No additional medical details have been provided in the available information.
Police Remove Other Demonstrators
Following Wangchuk’s removal, police also took action at the protest venue. According to the available information, Jantar Mantar was barricaded and other Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstrators were removed from the protest site. This marked the end of the ongoing protest gathering at the location.
CJP Condemns Police Action
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) strongly criticized the police operation, describing it as a despicable act. The party announced that it would continue its agitation despite Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site and outlined a series of next steps to sustain the movement.
New Indefinite Hunger Strike Begins
Immediately after Wangchuk’s removal, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced the launch of his own indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. According to the party, the new hunger strike is intended to keep the movement active and continue raising its demands.
Protest Demands Intensified
The available information states that, before Wangchuk’s removal, the CJP had been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Following the police action, Abhijeet Dipke announced that the party is now demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating an escalation in its protest campaign.
Key Highlights of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Removal | July 18, 2026 |
| Location | Jantar Mantar, New Delhi |
| Hospital | Safdarjung Hospital |
| Hunger Strike Duration | 21st day of indefinite fast |
| Police’s Reason | Medical advice and compliance with Delhi High Court order |
| Reported Health Condition | Lost over 8 kg, dangerously low blood sugar |
| Current Status | Stable at Safdarjung Hospital; refused IV interventions without consent |
| Police Action | Jantar Mantar barricaded, other CJP protesters removed |
| CJP Response | Condemned action, announced fresh indefinite hunger strike |
| Upcoming Protest | Peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, 2026 |
| March Leadership | Gitanjali Angmo to lead if Wangchuk remains hospitalized |
Parliament March Scheduled for July 20
The CJP also confirmed that it intends to proceed with its planned peaceful march to Parliament on Monday, July 20, 2026. According to the available information, the march has been scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The party stated that the planned march will continue despite the developments surrounding Wangchuk’s removal.
Gitanjali Angmo to Lead the March if Required
The information further states that Gitanjali Angmo, identified as Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, has announced that if Wangchuk remains confined to the hospital, she will represent him and personally lead the July 20 Parliament march. This announcement indicates that the protest programme will continue even if Wangchuk is unable to participate in person.
Conclusion
The removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar on July 18, 2026, and his subsequent admission to Safdarjung Hospital has intensified the ongoing protest over alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities. While Wangchuk’s health is reported to be stable, the Cockroach Janta Party has escalated its demands, now calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister. With a new indefinite hunger strike launched and a Parliament march scheduled for July 20, the protest movement appears set to enter a more confrontational phase. The coming days will determine whether the government responds to the protesters’ demands or whether the agitation continues to escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why was Sonam Wangchuk removed from Jantar Mantar?
A1. Sonam Wangchuk was removed by Delhi Police on July 18, 2026, on medical advice and in compliance with a Delhi High Court order aimed at protecting his life, as his health had deteriorated significantly during his 21-day hunger strike.
Q2. What is Sonam Wangchuk’s current health condition?
A2. He is currently stable at Safdarjung Hospital but has reportedly refused intravenous medical interventions and medications without consent.
Q3. What action did the Cockroach Janta Party take after Wangchuk’s removal?
A3. The CJP condemned the police action, announced a fresh indefinite hunger strike by founder Abhijeet Dipke, and escalated its demands to include the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Q4. When is the Parliament march scheduled?
A4. The CJP has scheduled a peaceful march to Parliament on Monday, July 20, 2026, coinciding with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Q5. Who will lead the Parliament march if Sonam Wangchuk remains hospitalized?
A5. Gitanjali Angmo, Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, has announced that she will represent him and personally lead the July 20 Parliament march if he remains confined to the hospital.