Security tightened at Safdarjung Hospital’s Jantar Mantar after Wangchuk moves amid protest row

Security personnel stand outside Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on July 18, 2026. | Photo credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Security has been beefed up around Jantar Mantar, across parts of the New Delhi district and at Safdarjung Hospital, where activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted on Saturday (July 18, 2026) after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike, officials said.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike LIVE

There was a brief ruckus during the early morning action at the Jantar Mantar protest site, with police claiming that some protesters tried to obstruct the exercise.

There has been massive deployment of police personnel and paramilitary forces at the protest site in the heart of Delhi and adjoining areas to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident, they said.

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

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) posted on X that Mr Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was not allowed to carry her phone to meet him at the emergency department. “His medical reports are not shared with the family. No personal lawyers or doctors are allowed to meet (him),” the page said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma told PTI that Wangchuk was shifted to a government hospital in compliance with the order of the Delhi High Court after his health deteriorated.

“As per the directions of the Supreme Court and as per the medical conditions and medical recommendations, we shifted Sonam Wangchuk to the concerned government hospital which was a much needed medical intervention and under medical supervision,” he said.

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

“As per order of the Hon’ble High Court and on the basis of expert medical advice, Sh. Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital for necessary medical treatment due to his deteriorating health,” the statement said.

Police said some protesters tried to obstruct the exercise while the high court’s directions were being implemented, leading to a brief ruckus.

“The protestors attempted to create an obstruction, which caused a slight ruckus; however, the police maintained maximum restraint and conducted the exercise safely,” the statement said.

Security has also been beefed up in and around Safdarjung Hospital, where additional Delhi 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, the Delhi Police denied the allegations and claimed that no protester was detained or manhandled while Wangchuk was being taken to the hospital.

Police said adequate security measures have been put in place across the New Delhi district as a precautionary measure.

They also appealed to the protesters to cooperate with the authorities, saying, “We request the protesters at Jantar Mantar to leave the place peacefully as soon as possible.”

Published – 18 Jul 2026 12:01 IST