In brief
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, a 59‑year‑old educationist, was on an intensive hunger strike for 20 days at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Police forcibly removed him from the protest, following a Delhi High Court order that bar admissions, and an ambulance transported him to a government hospital for medical treatment. His strike, part of the online satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET‑UG exam leaks, sees him unlikely to join the planned march to Parliament.
The 59‑year‑old Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an extended hunger strike for the past 20 days at Delhi’s historic Jantar Mantar. He had lost more than nine kilograms, consuming only salt and water under painful conditions.
The protest, which supports the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), seeks educational reforms and demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the NEET‑UG 2026 exam paper leak scandal. The CJP’s online movement has gathered a large social‑media following and plans a march to India’s Parliament.
Police arrived at the site early Saturday morning and, without a release order, surrounded Wangchuk’s stage and prevented protestors from intervening. They covered him with bedsheets and removed him by ambulance. Photos released by the CJP show chaos as officers moved the activist away.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk had been moved "in compliance with a Delhi High Court order, and based on health conditions and medical advice". He added that Wangchuk was now under medical supervision in a government hospital for much‑needed treatment.
The court had ordered the government to monitor Wangchuk’s health and intervene if required. Despite his frail state, Wangchuk told gathered crowds that he intended to participate in the forthcoming march, arriving with a speech of determination.
“I’ve grown weak from the outside but I’m strong from within,” he declared, receiving cheers. He also joked that if he died before the march, his "ghost would join the march." Whether the CJP will proceed remains uncertain, as the activist can now’t be expected to join the planned procession.
The CJP began in May as a satirical protest group against exam paper leaks and other irregularities in India’s top exams. Many student organisations have joined Wangchuk’s fast, demanding that Minister Pradhan resign and accept moral responsibility. Ministry officials dismissed the movement as “the B‑team of disruptive elements.” The government has yet to respond amid growing pressure from opposition members and civil society leaders.
Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal visited Wangchuk, juxtaposing the activist’s plight with a call for the government to engage with protesters. Kejriwal urged the resignation of Pradhan and the appointment of Wangchuk in his stead.
