Security tightened at Jantar Mantar, Safdarjung Hospital after Wangchuk shifted amid protest row

Security has been stepped up in and around Jantar Mantar, parts of the New Delhi area and at Safdarjung Hospital, where activist Sonam Wangchuk was transferred on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after her health deteriorated during her 20-day hunger strike, officials said.

Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike LIVE: Police take Wangchuk to hospital; CJP’s Dipke started an indefinite hunger strike in Jantar Mantar

There was brief chaos during the early morning protest at the Jantar Mantar protest site, with police claiming some protesters tried to disrupt the exercise.

Police personnel and paramilitary forces have been heavily deployed at the protest site in central Delhi and nearby areas to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident, they said.

Barricades have been erected and security personnel have been deployed at key locations to regulate the movement of protesters and visitors.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) posted on X that Mr. Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was not allowed to carry a phone to meet him at the emergency room. “Health reports are not shared with the family. Personal lawyers and doctors are not allowed to meet.” [him]” said the party.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said: PTI It was stated that after Wangchuk’s health deteriorated, he was transferred to a government hospital in accordance with the decision of the Delhi High Court.

“In line with the directions of the Supreme Court, in line with the health conditions and medical advice, we took Sonam Wangchuk to the appropriate government hospital under medical supervision, which was a much-needed medical intervention,” he said.

Wangchuk was hospitalized for basic medical care on the advice of medical experts, Delhi Police said in a statement.

“In accordance with the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and upon expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, she was transferred to the hospital for basic medical care,” the statement said.

Police said some protesters tried to disrupt the exercise while the high court’s orders were being implemented, leading to brief chaos.

“Protesters attempted to create obstruction and minor chaos ensued, but police applied maximum restraint and carried out the exercise safely,” the statement said. The statement was included.

Security has also been strengthened in and around Safdarjung Hospital, where additional Delhi Police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order and regulate the movement of Wangchuk’s supporters and visitors.

Some protesters at Jantar Mantar alleged that the police resorted to lathi charge during the exercise. However, Delhi Police denied the allegations and maintained that no protesters were detained or beaten during Wangchuk’s transfer to the hospital.

Police said adequate security arrangements have been made in the New Delhi area as a precaution.

Authorities also called on the protesters to cooperate with the authorities and said, “We demand that the protesters in Jantar Mantar evacuate the place peacefully as soon as possible.”