Indian police forcibly hospitalise activist after 20-day hunger strike

A prominent Indian activist has been forcibly removed from a demonstration in New Delhi and admitted to hospital following a prolonged hunger strike. Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer known for water conservation initiatives in the Himalayas, was taken from the Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday after 20 days without food. Police stated the action was necessary due to deteriorating health and was carried out under High Court orders based on medical advice. Demonstrators at the site attempted to prevent the removal, resulting in what authorities described as minor disruption. Wangchuk's fast had become central to a broader activist campaign targeting India's examination system. The movement, which emerged in May and calls itself the Cockroach Janta Party, has mobilized hundreds of students and activists demanding systemic change. Beyond the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, protesters are seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the national exam structure and compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the exam crisis. The campaign gained significant momentum after a major medical entrance examination was cancelled in May due to question leaks, forcing approximately 2.2 million aspiring doctors to retake the test under heightened security. The incident sparked widespread public anger over allegations of corruption and mismanagement within India's examination system.