Pakistan-based social media falsely claimed that Sonam Wangchuk was "arrested" by the CRPF
NEW DELHI: A fresh wave of misinformation originating from Pakistani social media handles is attempting to portray environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk as having been “illegally arrested” by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) during his 20-day hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. However, the claim is entirely misleading.
Contrary to the viral propaganda, Wangchuk was neither arrested nor taken into custody by the CRPF. He was shifted by the Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital on July 19, following a deterioration in his health during his indefinite hunger strike. The move was carried out on the advice of medical experts and in compliance with explicit directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had instructed the police to closely monitor his health and ensure immediate medical intervention whenever necessary.
Pakistani handles have falsely claimed that “Indian military-backed CRPF police illegally arrested Sonam Wangchuk while he was on a 20-day hunger strike.”
The allegation seeks to project the medical transfer as a forcible arrest by a central paramilitary force. In reality, the CRPF played no role in the operation. The responsibility lay solely with the Delhi Police, which acted under judicial oversight after Wangchuk’s health reportedly worsened following nearly three weeks of fasting.
Sonam Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for the past 20 days. Taking note of his deteriorating health, the Delhi High Court had directed the Delhi Police to conduct regular health monitoring and ensure that immediate medical care was provided if his condition required it.
Acting in accordance with these directions, Delhi Police personnel shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital early on Saturday morning after medical experts advised urgent hospitalisation. The move was aimed at safeguarding his health rather than curtailing his protest.
Following the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk’s transfer. According to the police, the decision was taken strictly on the recommendation of doctors and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directives.
The DCP further stated that while police personnel were carrying out their legal duty, some protesters attempted to obstruct the operation. Despite these hurdles, the police exercised restraint and safely shifted Wangchuk to the hospital.
The police also appealed to those gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully. Soon after Wangchuk was taken to the hospital, several social media accounts began circulating claims that he had been “arrested” or even “kidnapped.”
The misinformation was amplified by various political commentators and online influencers, who alleged that the police had forcibly detained Wangchuk without presenting any evidence.
Some posts even falsely claimed that he had been taken to an undisclosed location, despite the fact that his transfer to Safdarjung Hospital was officially confirmed. The viral claims ignore the central fact that the Delhi Police acted pursuant to a judicial directive intended to protect Wangchuk’s health.
The High Court’s order had specifically required authorities to monitor his medical condition on a daily basis and intervene whenever necessary. His transfer therefore constituted a medical precaution undertaken under court supervision not an arrest, detention or punitive action.
