Police in New Delhi transported a well-known activist to a hospital on Saturday due to a decline in his health after a prolonged hunger strike. The strike is linked to the Cockroach Janta Party’s push for educational reform in India.
Authorities increased security around Jantar Mantar, a regularly used protest site surrounded by police barricades. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been leading the protest with students and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party. Their main demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations of leaked exam papers.
The movement is also advocating for comprehensive changes to the exam system and seeking support for families of students who have died by suicide due to the leaks or exam outcomes. Sonam Wangchuk, 59, is an engineer and prominent figure in education reform. His protest has become a central focus for the movement, which started after Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant described some unemployed youth as “cockroaches.” The activists have reclaimed this term, using it as a symbol of toughness, and have garnered over 21 million followers on Instagram.
According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was moved to a medical facility after his condition worsened during the strike. There was a brief disturbance as some demonstrators attempted to prevent this.
Sachin Sharma, a deputy commissioner, stated that the hospital transfer was conducted based on medical advice and a court order. “Mr. Sonam Wangchuk has been relocated under medical supervision,” said Sharma.
The Cockroach Party released a statement on social media accusing the government of forcibly taking Wangchuk without consent from him or his family. Following this event, Abhijeet Dipke, a student at Boston University and founder of the Cockroach Party, declared his intent to commence a hunger strike.
Dipke, speaking at the protest ground, claimed that police used force against Wangchuk, accusing them of “kidnapping him as if dealing with criminals.” He also emphasized their commitment to a planned march to India’s Parliament concurrent with the start of its session on Monday. “The commitment to the cause will only intensify,” said Dipke.
In response, authorities deployed more police and paramilitary forces, erecting additional barricades around Jantar Mantar. Police noted that these security enhancements are preventive, urging protestors to work with law enforcement.