Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that he was subjected to harassment and prevented from leaving Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, even after the Delhi High Court granted permission for his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. A video released by Wangchuk purportedly shows a confrontation with hospital security and officials.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Wangchuk released a video on YouTube late Friday, detailing his experience. In the footage, he is seen in a dispute with a security official, claiming he was being detained and stating that authorities should either arrest him or permit his departure. He is heard saying in the video, “You are harassing me… If I die of stress, it will be your responsibility.” In another segment, he asserts, “Arrest me if you want, but I am leaving.”
Safdarjung Hospital, in its response, stated that the video was purportedly recorded by Wangchuk’s aides on July 21 within a designated no-videography zone. The hospital administration clarified that the recording was made prior to the official receipt of the Delhi High Court’s written order sanctioning Wangchuk’s transfer. According to the hospital, Wangchuk had sought to leave the facility based on media reports regarding the court’s decision.
The hospital further stated that Wangchuk was handed over to a medical team from Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, at 6:40 pm on July 21, immediately after the court’s written order was received. The sequence of events suggests a discrepancy between Wangchuk’s perception of his detention and the hospital’s timeline of adhering to the court’s directive.
Wangchuk had been under observation at Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted there by Delhi Police on July 18. He had been on a hunger strike since June 28 at Jantar Mantar, protesting alleged examination paper leaks and demanding accountability from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His hunger strike was in support of the demands put forth by the Cockroach Janta Party.
Following the Delhi High Court’s intervention, Wangchuk was successfully transferred to Medanta Hospital on July 21. He subsequently ended his hunger strike late Thursday night at Medanta Hospital. The decision to call off the fast came after receiving assurances from government representatives and Members of Parliament from various political parties concerning his demands for examination reforms and the protection of peaceful protesters. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, and Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present when he ended his protest fast.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
