Abhijeet Dipke Says Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike to Continue After Police Action (Video)
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed on Tuesday that Sonam Wangchuk had initially agreed to call off his 23-day fast due to worsening health, but chose to extend it after witnessing the clashes between law enforcement and protesters.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has decided to continue his indefinite hunger strike after a recent police crackdown on protesters, despite earlier agreeing to end the fast, according to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. Dipke said the events during the protest changed Wangchuk's decision, describing the previous day's police action as the turning point. Speaking at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Dipke said fellow protesters had repeatedly persuaded Wangchuk to call off his hunger strike due to concerns over his health. However, he said the alleged use of force against demonstrators convinced the activist to continue his protest.
"We convinced him, but yesterday's brutality changed everything," Dipke said, adding that Wangchuk now believes the movement must continue in view of the developments during the demonstrations. Sonam Wangchuk Refuses to End Hunger Strike After Police Action Against Student Protesters.
Abhijeet Dipke Claims Protest Crackdown Changed Sonam Wangchuk’s Decision To End Fast
VIDEO | Delhi: "Sonam Wangchuk was about to end his fast yesterday. We had convinced him, but he decided to continue after the police brutality during the protests," says Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke.
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/TSsk2Zv6wg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026
Protest Linked to NEET Paper Leak Issue
The ongoing protest is centred on demands for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Student groups and civil society organisations have joined demonstrations, arguing that repeated examination irregularities have affected the credibility of India's competitive examination system. The protest has gained national attention in recent weeks, with Wangchuk emerging as one of its most prominent faces.
Police Action Sparks Fresh Tensions
The decision to continue the hunger strike follows clashes between protesters and Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar and the Parliament area during a "Sansad Chalo" march. Protest organisers have alleged that demonstrators were subjected to excessive force, while Delhi Police has defended its crowd-control measures, saying action was taken to maintain law and order. The differing accounts have intensified the standoff between protest organisers and the authorities. Jantar Mantar: Delhi Police Register FIR Against Unidentified Persons Over Stone Pelting, Vandalism During CJP Rally.
Health Concerns Remain
Wangchuk's prolonged fast has raised concerns among supporters and medical professionals. Earlier, he was shifted to hospital following health complications, after which Dipke himself began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the movement. Supporters have urged authorities to engage in dialogue while ensuring the safety and health of those participating in the protest.
The protest began over allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination and has since evolved into a broader campaign demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the conduct of public examinations. While the government has maintained that strict action is being taken against those responsible for examination-related irregularities, protest organisers say further institutional reforms are necessary to restore public confidence.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 11:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
