High-voltage drama unfolded around the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest over the past 24 hours, with activist Sonam Wangchuk being shifted by Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation and his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, questioning the hospital's findings. Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipkewas was targeted in an ink attack and announced that he would launch a hunger strike of his own.
Wangchuk's hospitalisation came after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to closely monitor his health, just two days before the party's planned "Sansad Chalo" march to Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
The developments have prompted the CJP to renew its call for supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar on July 20 before marching towards Parliament. However, Delhi Police has made it clear that it will not allow the proposed march, citing security, traffic and law-and-order concerns in the high-security Parliament zone.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health update as on 9 PM | Sonam Wangchuk, who is admitted at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, remains conscious and haemodynamically stable. His pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation are currently within normal limits. However, he is exhibiting… pic.twitter.com/CLpNoOMROR
— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2026
Top 10 updates on Sonam Wangchuk's health and the CJP protest
1. Wangchuk stable but dehydrated
Safdarjung Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Charu Bamba said Wangchuk remains conscious and haemodynamically stable, with his pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation within normal limits. However, he is showing signs of dehydration after 21 days of fasting. Doctors have recommended immediate oral or intravenous fluids and electrolyte therapy, an assessment backed by an independent AIIMS expert. Despite repeated counselling, Wangchuk has refused IV fluids, oral rehydration solution and medications, while his family has not yet consented to the recommended treatment.
2. Wife questions hospital findings, seeks transfer
Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, questioned the hospital's findings after doctors reportedly informed the family that his potassium level had dropped sharply. In a post on X, she alleged that the hospital was preventing her from obtaining a second opinion by testing his blood elsewhere.
She later wrote to the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital seeking Wangchuk's transfer to another hospital, citing a "lack of transparency" and restricted access. She also requested that no medication or IV fluids be administered without her consent and sought complete medical reports before any treatment decision.
3. Doctors continue round-the-clock monitoring
Doctors said Wangchuk remains under continuous observation, with an AIIMS doctor joining the treating team. They said efforts are ongoing to persuade him to accept treatment to prevent further deterioration.
4. Delhi Police deny permission for Parliament march
Delhi Police said it will not allow the CJP's proposed "Sansad Chalo" march on Monday, describing the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar as an "illegal" demonstration and stating that no fresh permission had been sought.
5. CJP disputes police claim
CJP spokesperson Vaishnavi Gaur rejected the police's claim, saying authorities had already been informed about the march and were fully aware of the party's plans.
6. Security stepped up
More than 100 police personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units have been deployed around Jantar Mantar, with nearly 200 personnel expected to remain on duty through the weekend. Additional forces will be deployed if protesters attempt to march towards Parliament.
7. Protest gathers momentum
The crowd at Jantar Mantar grew from around 500 to nearly 800 on Saturday, with protesters raising slogans and singing through the night after Wangchuk was shifted to hospital.
8. Police cite High Court order
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk's transfer to Safdarjung Hospital was carried out in compliance with the Delhi High Court's directions and on the advice of medical experts. He also appealed to protesters to vacate the site peacefully.
9. Dipkewas announces hunger strike
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipkewas, who was targeted in an ink attack, announced that he would begin a hunger strike in support of the movement.
10. Protest to continue despite restrictions
Despite the police refusing permission for the march, the CJP has renewed its call for supporters to gather at Jantar Mantar on July 20 before attempting to march towards Parliament.
