CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke takes over Wangchuk’s fast at Jantar Mantar, faces ink attack

A dramatic sequence of events unfolded at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday (July 18) as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to hospital following a deterioration in his health, prompting Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke to launch an indefinite hunger strike. Hours later, the protest site witnessed another flashpoint when a woman hurled an ink-like liquid at Dipke while he was addressing supporters.

The Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after doctors monitoring his 20-day indefinite fast expressed concern over his health. Wangchuk, who began fasting on June 28 in support of the CJP-led agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, had reportedly lost nearly 9.5 kg, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels were under close observation.

Dipke observes hunger strike

The early morning police operation triggered brief commotion as some protesters attempted to prevent officers from removing Wangchuk from the protest site. CJP leaders later alleged that several protesters were detained and subjected to police action during the exercise.

Also read: Sonam Wangchuk's fast enters Day 20: Lessons learnt from earlier hunger strikes

Soon after Wangchuk was taken to hospital, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would continue the agitation by beginning his own indefinite hunger strike. "I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now," Dipke said in a post on X.

Ink hurled at CJP founder

However, the protest took another dramatic turn on Saturday afternoon when a woman threw an ink-like liquid at Dipke while he was addressing a gathering at Jantar Mantar. The incident briefly disrupted the programme as supporters rushed towards the stage, creating chaos at the venue. Police detained the woman, whose identity and motive were not immediately known, and launched an investigation.

Following Wangchuk's removal, the youth-led outfit escalated its campaign, expanding its demand from seeking Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak to calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step down.

Also read: LIVE: Wangchuk hospitalised; fasting Dipke splashed with ink; Congress slams Modi govt

In a post on social media, the CJP declared, "Modi must resign!", while asserting that the movement would continue despite Wangchuk's hospitalisation. The organisation also reaffirmed its plan to march to Parliament on July 20.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka accused the Delhi Police of "manhandling" Wangchuk and using force against protesters.

"We are at Jantar Mantar, where some time ago Sonam Wangchuk was manhandled and forcefully removed. In the morning, people take a 10-15 minute break to freshen up. Delhi Police committed this cowardly act at that time. Abhijeet Dipke has started a hunger strike. We will not move from here. On July 20, join us for the march to Parliament. This is a fight to save the country. We should not go back," Ranka said.

Wangchuk’s hospitalisation

Delhi Police, however, maintained that Wangchuk was shifted solely for "essential medical care" and appealed to protesters to vacate the site peacefully.

Also read: Why Congress has avoided CJP protest despite focus veering to Wangchuk’s survival

Meanwhile, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, urged authorities not to administer any medical treatment without her consent and that of the doctors overseeing his care.

Despite Wangchuk's hospitalisation, the protest at Jantar Mantar continued. All India Students' Association (AISA) activists Neha, Aameen and Manish remained on an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the movement, while Dipke assumed the leadership of the agitation.

(With agency inputs)