A recent video released by Sonam Wangchuk, showing him arguing with police officers and staff at the Safdarjung Hospital hours before he was shifted to Medanta Hospital, is going viral on social media. The 24-minute video shared by Wangchuk defends the criticism he faced for ending his hunger strike, including unseen videos from the time he was shifted to the government-run hospital from the Jantar Mantar protest site.
The video was shot on July 21, on the 24th day of his hunger protest. In the video, an agitated Wangchuk is seen quarrelling with the police as he walks through the hospital corridors. “Ask them to arrest me, “ he says, while questioning the cops about detaining him despite the high court order which allowed the activist to shift to a hospital of his choice.
As the activist attempts to leave the hospital, police personnel are seen closely following him in the video, mentioning that they have not received the order from the high court.
Gitanjali Angmo, his wife, is seen walking beside him. “Please step aside... I have sent you the order number”, she said as they reached the exit.
Someone attempting to snatch the phone is also recorded on the video. In protest, Wangchuk lies down on the floor, saying, “It is digitally everywhere. Except you, the world knows."
Safdarjung Hospital has clarified that the video was recorded before they received the orders allowing Wangchuk to shift to another hospital. Once the order was received, the hospital claims that they immediately let Wangchuk leave for Gurugram's Medanta Hospital.
Wangchuk started his indefinite fast on June 28 at Jantar Mantar, showing solidarity with the students protesting over the alleged irregularities in the NEET paper leak. He ended his hunger strike after the Centre gave him written confirmation that the demands of the students would be taken into account. He is currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital after his 26-day fast.
The Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has resigned, which was one of the main demands set forward by the protestors. While the Prime Minister is yet to approve the minister’s resignation, Cockroach Janata Party Founder Abhijeet Dipke has reminded the Centre about the remaining demands. This includes financial compensation for the students who died by suicide and strict action against police who ordered a lathi-charge against peaceful protestors.
