Sonam Wangchuk Refuses Treatment, Continues Fast In Hospital; Abhijeet Dipke On Indefinite Hunger Strike At Jantar Mantar

The

Cockroach Janata Party escalated its agitation over the NEET paper leak issue on Saturday with its founder Abhijeet Dipke announcing an indefinite fast, soon after Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike by the Delhi Police. According to the CJP, Wangchuk has "not broken" his hunger strike, and he will continue it from the hospital. Meanwhile, the organisation has vowed to press ahead with its planned march to Parliament on July 20.

Wangchuk Needs Urgent Therapy, Family Declining Treatment: Safdarjung Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk, admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after a 20-day hunger strike at around 7:40 AM on Saturday, is under close medical observation.The statement issued at night by the Safdarjung Hospital said that his pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation are currently within normal limits. "However, he is exhibiting clinical signs of dehydration, and in view of his prolonged fasting, his condition warrants immediate medical intervention to prevent further deterioration and potentially serious complications," it said.

An AIIMS doctor has also joined the treating team and will remain continuously available for monitoring and clinical management.Despite repeated counselling, "the patient has declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and all medications. The patient's family has also not yet provided consent for the recommended medical intervention", the hospital said.

https://youtu.be/6C4-AO3IJtE?si=NqXjQ3SjkIiHooRn

"The treating team is making every effort to counsel the patient and his family to provide consent and accept the recommended treatment at the earliest in the interest of safeguarding his health and preventing avoidable complications," it stated.

Wangchuk's Potassium Level Is Low: Safdarjung Hospital's Afternoon Bulletin

Doctors noted that Wangchuk was conscious at the time of admission, with a stable pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. However, medical examinations revealed signs of dehydration and "compensated acidosis," along with a drop in potassium levels. Potassium is a key electrolyte essential for proper muscle and nerve function.

The report further highlighted a concerning rise in urinary ketones, which increased from 1+ at admission to 3+ within hours, indicating the body is increasingly relying on fat breakdown due to prolonged fasting.

Despite medical advice, Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration, and any form of medication, the health bulletin said. Hospital authorities stated that he is being continuously monitored and counselled to accept treatment in the interest of his health.

What Sonam Wangchuk's Wife Said

Shortly after his hospitalisation, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, asked the hospital not to administer any treatment without her consent and sought his discharge, alleging a lack of transparency in his medical care.She has also written a letter to the hospital, asking Wanhchuk to be shifted to a medical centre of their choice as the "lack of transparency has shaken their trust".

https://youtu.be/RhywV8cE6jI?si=s2rsU4156gkDnSpp

She claimed Wangchuk was "absolutely fine" but the Safdarjung Hospital has declined to share copies of medical reports despite repeated requests. On Friday, doctors said Wangchuk had lost nearly 9.5 kg since the beginning of the hunger strike, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels had remained under close monitoring.

Opposition Targets Centre, BJP Responds

Several opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, DMK MP Kanimozhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee hit out at the government and said it should engage in dialogue with protesters.The BJP maintained that authorities acted with empathy, balancing the court's directions with the imperative of protecting life and questioned the "outrage".