Police in New Delhi have escalated pressure on protesters and students camping at the historic Jantar Mantar site, demanding the resignation of the education minister. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on the 21st day of a hunger strike, was taken into custody on Saturday and transferred to a hospital.

Wangchuk, 59, has been fasting since June 28 in solidarity with Indian students and the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). According to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk had lost 8.7 kg (19.1 pounds) and significant muscle mass.

Police said the move was ordered by the High Court and based on medical advice due to Wangchuk's deteriorating health. However, CJP leaders allege Wangchuk was "forcibly" taken to an undisclosed location, with video showing scuffles as plainclothes men removed him from the protest stage.

The crackdown came ahead of a planned march from Jantar Mantar to the Indian Parliament on July 20. Protesters demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over an entrance exam scandal that affected millions of students.

The New Delhi High Court had earlier directed the government to monitor Wangchuk's health and provide urgent care. Hunger strikes have been a traditional form of peaceful protest in India since Mahatma Gandhi's era.

Source: www.dw.com