Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has objected to any medical treatment being administered to him without her consent and that of his personal doctor. This comes after the Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to a government hospital on Saturday.
Wife Demands Consent for Medical Treatment
According to National Herald, Gitanjali J Angmo stated that no medicine should be administered to Wangchuk without the consent of his wife and personal doctor. The demand was made after Wangchuk was taken to a government hospital by the Delhi Police from the protest site.
CJP Founder Alleges Police Crackdown
Soon after the police action, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke alleged that protesters were subjected to a police crackdown. Dipke posted on X, claiming, "I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police." In another post, he alleged that police personnel assaulted protesters and forcibly took Wangchuk away.
"I have been beaten up and put under detention by Delhi Police." — Abhijit Dipke, CJP founder, via X
Wangchuk's Health Deteriorates During Hunger Strike
Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The Delhi Police cited medical reasons for the action, but the activist's wife has raised concerns about the lack of consent in the treatment process.
Our Take: Consent and Accountability in Police Actions
This situation raises serious questions about the handling of medical emergencies during protests. While the police may have acted with good intentions regarding Wangchuk's health, the wife's objection to treatment without consent is a valid concern. In our view, authorities must ensure that medical decisions respect the patient's and family's wishes, especially when a personal doctor is involved. The allegations of a police crackdown by CJP founder Abhijit Dipke also need a thorough investigation to maintain trust in law enforcement. This incident highlights the need for clear protocols when dealing with protesters' health and rights.
