Indian activist hospitalized after 20-day hunger strike over exam irregularities

New Delhi police forcibly moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday after his 20-day hunger strike demanding India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign over alleged examination irregularities. The protest, which began June 28, centered on irregularities in medical entrance exams affecting 2.2 million students who retook tests after a paper leak.

The Delhi High Court had ordered government doctors to monitor Wangchuk daily, citing citizen safety. Police cited the court order and medical advice for the hospital transfer, though supporters created obstruction as shown in videos from the Jantar Mantar protest site.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced he would begin an indefinite hunger strike following Wangchuk's removal. Wangchuk's wife stated no medical intervention should occur without family consent, adding to tensions around the activist's forced care.

This follows broader youth protests over education system failures, including marking issues in high school tests. Opposition figures like Priyanka Chaturvedi have supported Wangchuk while warning against making him a 'sacrificial lamb.'

The situation raises questions about protest rights and government response to dissent. For Nigerian readers, it highlights how examination controversies and student activism transcend borders—what parallels or lessons exist for local education advocacy?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/18/indian-activist-moved-to-hospital-after-20-day-hunger-strike/