New Delhi, July 18: Delhi Police on Saturday began clearing protesters from Jantar Mantar after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a government hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike.
Wangchuk has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
A heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel was seen at the protest site as authorities asked demonstrators to vacate the area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) New Delhi, Sachin Sharma, said Wangchuk was moved to the hospital in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court and on the advice of medical experts due to his deteriorating health.
“As per orders of Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh. Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the orders of Hon’ble High Court, the protestors tried to create obstruction, in which slight commotion ensued. However, police took maximum restraint and undertook the exercise safely,” Sharma said.
The DCP also appealed to protesters to peacefully vacate Jantar Mantar at the earliest.
The police statement comes after some protesters alleged that force was used during Wangchuk’s removal. Delhi Police has denied these allegations, maintaining that no lathi-charge took place and that the operation was conducted with restraint.
Source: ANI
