Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 18: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke on Saturday announced an indefinite hunger strike shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital following a deterioration in his health.
"I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now," Dipke said in a post on X.
Wangchuk was taken to the government hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his indefinite fast after his health worsened. Police said the decision was taken on medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk was admitted to hospital in accordance with the High Court's directions and was receiving necessary treatment under medical supervision.
In a statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk had been shifted for "essential medical care" following expert medical advice and the court's orders.
Police said some protesters attempted to obstruct the operation, resulting in a brief commotion, but personnel exercised restraint and completed the transfer safely.
The police also appealed to protesters to peacefully vacate the protest site at the earliest.
Following the police action, Dipke alleged that protesters had been subjected to a crackdown.
"I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police," he claimed in a post on X.
In another post, he alleged that police personnel assaulted protesters and forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest venue.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the CJP-led agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy.
His health has steadily deteriorated over the past three weeks. Doctors said he had lost nearly 9.5 kg since beginning the fast, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels remained under constant monitoring.
The Delhi High Court has been monitoring Wangchuk's health and had directed that his medical condition be regularly assessed, with appropriate intervention provided whenever necessary.
On Friday night, Wangchuk reiterated his determination to continue the fast despite his worsening health.
"I have lost 20 per cent of my body. It is time for this government to listen to the voice of the youth," he said in a video message while reaffirming his support for the students' movement.
Meanwhile, security was intensified in and around Jantar Mantar and across parts of the New Delhi district following Wangchuk's hospitalisation.
Heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces was made to maintain law and order, with barricades erected at key locations to regulate the movement of protesters and visitors.
Police said adequate security arrangements had been put in place as a precautionary measure and once again appealed to protesters to cooperate with the authorities and vacate the protest site peacefully.