'If I die of stress...': Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung; hospital denies, claims video 'purportedly recorded'
Hours after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk recounted his experience at the Safdarjung Hospital after being moved from the protest site at Jantar Mantar, the hospital issued a clarification over the video, claiming that it was recorded by one of Wangchuk's aides before the Delhi High Court's order
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Friday shared a YouTube video, a day after ending his 26-day hunger strike, in which he reflected on the events of the past few days and included footage of his departure from Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court permitted his transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.
In the video, Wangchuk can be seen getting into a confrontation with a security person at Safdarjung Hospital, alleging that he was being prevented from leaving the premises, news agency PTI reported on Saturday.
Quick answers to key questions
Sonam Wangchuk alleged that he was treated 'like a prisoner' at Safdarjung Hospital, claiming he was denied free movement, prevented from meeting visitors, and not allowed to use a mobile phone or laptop.
Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Union Government regarding the NEET examination and systemic reforms, fearing an imminent crackdown on protesters.
Safdarjung Hospital clarified that they received the High Court's written order after Wangchuk's insistence to leave and stated that the video in question was recorded before their administration was informed of his transfer approval.
Wangchuk emphasized that his primary concern was protecting students from suffering legal consequences rather than seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Yes, Wangchuk's wife urged critics to show compassion and consider the ethos of his sacrifice, as he fasted for 26 days for a cause larger than himself, ultimately losing significant weight and risking his health.
Safdarjung Hospital issues clarification
Following his allegations, Safdarjung Hospital said the video was recorded before its administration received the written order of the High Court. Responding to the video, Safdarjung officials said it was "purportedly recorded" by Wangchuk's aides inside the hospital on 21 July in a designated no-videography zone and was released only on Friday.
Elaborating further, the hospital said, "The video was reportedly recorded before the hospital administration received the written order of the High Court. At that time, Mr Wangchuk insisted on leaving the hospital based on information available in the media."
"It is pertinent to note that Mr Wangchuk was handed over to the team of doctors from Medanta Gurugram on the same day at 6:40 pm, immediately after the written order was received by the hospital," the statement added.
Wangchuk's allegations against Safdarjung Hospital
In the video, he slammed those questioning his decision to end the hunger strike, adding that people were unaware of the circumstances he faced after being moved from the protest site.
He claimed that after being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on 18 July, he was treated "like a prisoner". According to him, he was not allowed to move freely, meet visitors, or keep a mobile phone or laptop.
Recounting the episode, Wangchuk said, "It was like being in North Korea," and alleged that even after the Delhi High Court approved his transfer to Medanta Hospital, officials at Safdarjung Hospital prevented him from leaving for several hours.
Wangchuk ends hunger strike
Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike since 28 June in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), ended his strike on Thursday night in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
After he ended his hunger strike, critics slammed Wangchuk for his decision, alleging that he had signed a deal with the Centre. In the video released late on Friday night, the activist also clarified the reason behind ending his hunger strike.
He said, “After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight in which I have also lost muscle mass and my organs and brain reached the verge of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, about whose hands I broke it at, or whether I made a deal or not?... ”
Wangchuk went on to say, "Shame on a country that produces such minds, from which such vile thoughts spring. I don't blame anyone because most of you lack knowledge of what circumstances I have been through, what my family has been through in the past week or two... So before listening to anyone, be sure to look at their background. Do they hold any grudges? Are they from a political party that has grudges against another political party, or are they a neutral person? If they are neutral, then definitely listen to them..."
The video marks Wangchuk's first detailed public response to criticism following the end of his 26-day hunger strike.
(with agency inputs)
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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