High drama at Medanta in Gurugram as police bar Opposition leaders from meeting Wangchuk
Doctors cite ICU protocol as only blood relatives allowed
High drama unfolded outside Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Wednesday evening after AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and around 15 Opposition MPs were stopped by the police from meeting climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment after a 25-day fast.
Wangchuk was admitted to the Gurugram hospital on July 21 following health complications arising from his prolonged hunger strike in support of students affected by examination paper leaks.
Police personnel prevented the delegation from entering the hospital, triggering a heated exchange between Sanjay Singh and security officials. Denied permission to meet Wangchuk, the Opposition leaders staged a sit-in protest outside the hospital gates.
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali, joined the protesters and said her husband had submitted a letter to the Central Government detailing the conditions under which he would end his fast. She urged the government to accept his demands, including fair compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination paper leaks.
The standoff continued for nearly an hour before doctors treating Wangchuk briefed the leaders. The medical team said the activist was in the ICU and, as per hospital protocol, only direct blood relatives were being allowed to meet him. Doctors said Wangchuk remained conscious and his vital parameters, including blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation, were stable while he continued to receive treatment under a multidisciplinary team.
Following the medical briefing, the Opposition leaders dispersed peacefully. Later, Sanjay Singh accused the government of trying to isolate Wangchuk, alleging that it did not want him to end his fast.
Meanwhile, Haryana Police placed more than 10 senior Congress leaders, including Gurugram Urban District Congress president Pankaj Dawar, under house arrest and issued notices restraining them from marching towards the hospital, anticipating protests.
