Jantar Mantar Protest: After the action of taking social activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to the hospital, Congress leader Pawan Kheda launched a scathing attack on the Central Government and the Home Ministry. He said that our Constitution has given every citizen the right to express his views and protest peacefully. But it seems that the Home Ministry wants to abolish this right. Delhi Police works directly under the Home Ministry. A day earlier, the Home Ministry had removed the old commissioner and appointed a new Delhi Police Commissioner. If his first major action is to crack down on peaceful protests, then it is a matter of concern. It seems that the government is giving more importance to political orders than the Constitution.
He further said, “First action was taken against the women wrestlers, then strict action was taken against ex-servicemen as well. Now the action taken against Sonam Wangchuk and the protesters also gives the same message that the government is considering peaceful protest not as a democratic right but as a law and order problem. It is sad that in the world’s largest democracy, efforts are being made to suppress democratic rights in this way.”
Our Constitution guarantees the right to dissent. The Home Ministry appears determined to deny it.
The Delhi Police reports directly to the Home Ministry – the very Ministry that appointed a new Police Commissioner in Delhi just yesterday. If today’s crackdown is his first…
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 पवन खेरा (@Pawankhera) July 18, 2026
Sonam Wangchuk reached hospital after deteriorating health
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk, who is on indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his fast. Delhi Police said that this action was taken as per the advice of medical experts and the instructions of the Delhi High Court.
According to hospital sources, Wangchuk has become very weak due to prolonged hunger strike and lack of water in his body. Although his condition is currently stable, he needs constant medical monitoring and treatment.
Police claim – the action was peaceful
Delhi Police said that while being taken to the hospital, some protesters tried to disrupt the proceedings, which created an atmosphere of chaos for some time. Police say that the entire operation was completed with maximum restraint. An appeal was also made to the protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully.
Abhijeet Deepke’s allegations, fast started
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Deepke alleged that the police beat him up and kept him in custody for some time. Calling for protests across the country, he himself announced to start an indefinite hunger strike.
Students still stand firm, concern over health increased
Even on the 21st day of the movement, AISA members Neha, Ameen and Manish remained on hunger strike. The organization claims that the protesters foiled the attempt to remove the three students by forming a human chain around them. According to doctors, the health of the three students is continuously deteriorating. Neha’s blood sugar has reached dangerous levels, Amen is severely dehydrated and Manish’s weight has decreased by more than 10 kg.
Earlier, Sonam Wangchuk had said in a video message that during the 20-day hunger strike, about 20 percent of her body had emaciated, but she was determined to continue her fast in support of the students.

