Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old Indian activist and educationist, began a hunger strike on June 28 protesting alleged corruption and exam paper leaks in India's education system [1, 2, 3]. He demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of failing millions of students affected by the scandal [2, 3]. Wangchuk’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi lasted over three weeks and drew support from roughly a dozen students and the youth-led online satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has amassed over 21 million Instagram followers since May 2026 [1, 4, 3].

On July 16, the Delhi High Court ordered daily monitoring of Wangchuk’s health by government doctors with required medical interventions to save his life [2]. Two days later, on July 18, police forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest site and took him under court order to Safdarjung Hospital, a government facility in Delhi, for treatment [1, 4, 3]. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk had been moved for necessary medical care and was under supervision [1]. Wangchuk, however, refused most treatments, including intravenous fluids and oral rehydration solution, while hospitalized [5, 6]. He told supporters, "I've grown weak from the outside but I'm strong from within" [1].

His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, accused authorities of illegal detention, saying hospital staff refused to discharge him or allow transfer to a private facility and that heavy police presence restricted his movement [7, 6]. Delhi High Court Judge Mini Pushkarna countered that "it cannot be said that any force is being used against Mr Sonam Wangchuk or that his bodily autonomy is being violated" [5]. Police and hospital officials maintained hospitalization followed court orders and medical advice due to his worsening condition [1, 4, 5].

The leak of exam papers caused widespread outrage, prompting annulment of the May medical entrance exam and a June re-examination of more than 2.2 million students under heavy security [2, 3, 8]. Opposition politician Shashi Tharoor and others expressed support for Wangchuk’s movement [2, 8].

Despite police banning public gatherings of more than five people outside Jantar Mantar, CJP and supporters vowed to go ahead with a planned march to the Indian Parliament on July 20. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated, "The march is happening for sure. We are figuring out the rest" [4, 9].

On July 19, Wangchuk’s wife petitioned the Delhi High Court to release him from hospital and transfer him to a private facility, but the request was rejected [5, 6]. Protests and political reactions remain active, with the next major event being the scheduled July 20 march to Parliament [4, 9].