Sonam Wangchuk moved to hospital after 20-day hunger strike over India exam scandal

Delhi police moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital on Saturday after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike protesting alleged irregularities in India's medical entrance examinations. The transfer followed a Delhi High Court order and advice from medical experts monitoring his condition at the protest site in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk and why is he on hunger strike?

Sonam Wangchuk is a 59-year-old engineer, environmentalist, and climate activist from the Himalayan region, known internationally for his work on sustainable water conservation. He has been fasting since June 28, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the government's handling of examination-related controversies. His protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn hundreds of students and sparked a wider national movement.

A deputy commissioner of Delhi Police said the transfer was carried out in compliance with High Court directions and based on expert medical opinion regarding Wangchuk's worsening condition. Some protesters attempted to block the transfer, causing a brief commotion at the site. Videos from Jantar Mantar showed police surrounding Wangchuk's stage before carrying him away as supporters protested the move.

What is the Cockroach Janta Party and what does it want?

The online movement Cockroach Janta Party organised parallel demonstrations in support of Wangchuk's campaign across India. The movement is part of a broader push for greater transparency and accountability in India's examination system. Several opposition leaders have backed Wangchuk's campaign as public anger over exam integrity has grown in recent months.

The Delhi High Court had previously directed government doctors to examine Wangchuk daily after a petition warned that his prolonged fast posed a serious risk to his life. The court stressed the importance of protecting life and said all necessary medical treatment should be provided. Wangchuk remained defiant in the hours before his transfer, saying even relatively small public movements had brought about major political change in India.

What triggered the India exam scandal that Wangchuk is protesting?

More than 2.2 million medical aspirants were forced to retake the national entrance examination after the original test was cancelled following a paper leak. The controversy, combined with separate concerns over the marking of high school examinations, fueled nationwide student protests and drew significant public attention to the integrity of India's examination system. Wangchuk has framed his protest as ultimately being about safeguarding the country's education system rather than any single political grievance.