New Delhi: Delhi Police carried out a carefully coordinated pre-dawn operation on Saturday to shift climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, following concerns over his deteriorating health after nearly three weeks of an indefinite hunger strike. Officials said the move was undertaken in compliance with directions from the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts.
Overnight Planning
According to police sources, the operation was finalized after senior officers received instructions from Police Headquarters around 1:30 a.m. Officers from the New Delhi district gathered at Mandir Marg Police Station to prepare a detailed execution plan aimed at avoiding confrontation while ensuring Wangchuk received urgent medical attention.
Three-Layer Security Strategy
The operation involved a three-layer security arrangement around the protest venue:
- Outer security ring: Police personnel managed entry points and regulated movement around Jantar Mantar.
- Middle ring: Additional officers monitored protesters and ensured the route to the ambulance remained clear.
- Inner ring: Plainclothes personnel carried out the actual transfer of Wangchuk from the protest stage to the waiting ambulance.
White Sheets and Plainclothes Officers
One of the most notable aspects of the operation was the use of large white sheets. According to police sources, officers briefly covered the protest stage with the sheets while Wangchuk was being moved. The objective was reportedly to prevent immediate video recordings and live circulation of the operation, which authorities feared could trigger a rapid gathering of supporters at the site.
Network Jammers Considered
Officials also discussed deploying network jammers around the protest site to slow the spread of videos during the operation. Sources said this was part of contingency planning intended to minimize crowd mobilisation while the transfer was underway.
Health Concerns Behind the Move
Police maintained that Wangchuk’s removal was not an arrest, but a medical intervention. Authorities stated that doctors had advised immediate hospitalization because his health had deteriorated after his prolonged hunger strike. He was subsequently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, where officials later said he was stable but required continuous medical monitoring.
Security Tightened After Transfer
Following the hospital shift, security was strengthened around Jantar Mantar, Safdarjung Hospital, and other parts of central Delhi. The enhanced deployment came ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, with police aiming to prevent any law-and-order issues or large public gatherings.
Political Reactions
The operation sparked criticism from opposition leaders and supporters of Wangchuk, who questioned the manner in which the activist was removed from the protest site. Delhi Police, however, denied using excessive force and reiterated that the transfer was carried out solely in accordance with court directions and medical advice.
