Security tightened at Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised

Delhi Police tightened security around Jantar Mantar after activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a government hospital following the Delhi High Court's directions and medical advice. Police said adequate arrangements were made to maintain law and order after a brief commotion.

New Delhi: Security was stepped up in and around Jantar Mantar and across parts of the New Delhi district on Saturday after activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike, was shifted to a hospital following a brief commotion during the exercise, police said.

Heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces has been made at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident, they said.

---

Barricades have been erected and security personnel have been positioned at key points to regulate the movement of protesters and visitors.

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

“Following the directions of the High Court and in view of his health condition and medical advice, we shifted Sonam Wangchuk to an appropriate government hospital for the much-needed medical intervention under medical supervision,” he said.

In a statement, Delhi Police said Wangchuk was hospitalised for essential medical care on the advice of medical experts.

“As per the orders of the Hon’ble High Court and on expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Sh Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care,” the statement said.

Police said some protesters attempted to obstruct the exercise while the High Court’s directions were being implemented, leading to a brief commotion.

“The protesters tried to create an obstruction, during which a slight commotion ensued. However, the police exercised maximum restraint and carried out the exercise safely,” the statement said.

Police said adequate security arrangements had 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 peacefully vacate the place at the earliest.”