Why Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Family Claims Illegal Detention at Safdarjung Hospital?

Concerns Over Sonam Wangchuk's Treatment

New Delhi: Gitanjali J Angmo, the spouse of activist Sonam Wangchuk, expressed her belief that he is being held in "illegal detention" at Safdarjung Hospital after being forcibly taken from Jantar Mantar. She stated that the family has been denied their fundamental right to choose his medical care.

Speaking to the media outside the hospital, Angmo emphasized their desire to transfer Wangchuk to Medanta or another private facility of their preference.

"We simply wanted to move him to Medanta or any hospital where we feel comfortable. This is a basic right for any citizen in India. No one should be compelled to receive treatment from a specific doctor or institution. We were merely exercising our right to select our treatment location," she remarked.

Angmo raised concerns about a "trust deficit" regarding the government's management of Wangchuk's healthcare.

"There is a lack of trust in how the government is handling this situation. We waited for ten hours just to get a blood sample. Such delays erode trust. We do not want him in a facility surrounded by heavy police presence and water cannons. We want him in a comfortable environment," she added.

Despite medical advice to take fluids, Angmo revealed that Wangchuk chose to continue his hunger strike.

"Sonam is determined to stay on his fast. They have been urging him to consume fluids, but he refuses," she stated.

Outside the Delhi High Court, Angmo questioned the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk's removal from the protest site early Saturday morning.

"They claimed they brought him to the hospital out of concern for his health. However, reports from the previous day indicated he was stable. His potassium levels were at 4.3, and other health indicators were normal," she noted.

"If they were genuinely worried about his health, why did they send plainclothes officers? Why was he forcibly taken? They could have conducted a medical evaluation and informed the family if there were any issues. There are proper protocols in a democracy," she asserted.

Angmo did not hold back, stating, "This is all a charade. They are intimidated by Sonam's involvement in the march to Parliament. They fail to realize that the number of supporters will only increase. The issues we are addressing in the education system are evident everywhere: the misuse of police authority, the judiciary, and the media."

She also questioned inconsistencies in Wangchuk's potassium level readings.

"When I requested a blood sample for testing, why did it take ten hours to receive it? When we had it checked, the potassium level was 3.6. How could the morning report state it was 2.9?" she asked.

Angmo further claimed that the hospital staff were not allowing Wangchuk's private doctors to see him or consult on his treatment.

She described the heavy police presence in the hospital as creating a hostile environment, stating that Wangchuk's blood pressure had increased due to the situation.

"The entire floor is filled with police officers; it feels like Jodhpur jail. Sometimes, a police officer is right next to me. Is this not illegal detention? They do not allow me to use my phone. Sonam was not given his tablet. They have not provided any orders for this. This feels like illegal detention," she alleged.

Earlier, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah visited Angmo outside the hospital, wishing for Wangchuk's swift recovery.

"We hope he gets better, stays healthy, and that his protest is successful. May the people of Ladakh live in peace and harmony, may their culture thrive, and may nothing harm Ladakh. Please convey my best wishes to him," Abdullah stated.

Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday after police removed him from Jantar Mantar, where he had been on a hunger strike since June 28, supporting the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest regarding alleged irregularities in competitive exams.

The CJP labeled the police action as a forcible removal, while officials maintained it was executed on medical advice and in accordance with the Delhi High Court's directives.