Vishal Dadlani, Prakash Raj Question Authorities After Sonam Wangchuk Is Taken To Hospital During Hunger Strike

Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani and actor Prakash Raj have criticised the authorities after education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. Both celebrities questioned the manner in which the activist was shifted and expressed concern over the handling of the protest, as Wangchuk’s hospitalisation sparked widespread political and public reactions.

Sonam Wangchuk had been on an indefinite fast since June 28 in support of students protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy. The activist has been demanding greater accountability in the education system, institutional reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Over the past three weeks, his protest has received support from students, activists and several members of the film industry.

Reacting to the development, Vishal Dadlani shared his disapproval on social media after videos of Wangchuk being escorted away from the protest site surfaced online. Calling the incident “shameful”, the musician questioned why such action was necessary against someone staging a peaceful protest. He also urged people not to remain silent over the incident, suggesting that the treatment meted out to Wangchuk raised serious concerns about the right to peaceful dissent.

Actor Prakash Raj also criticised the authorities, reposting visuals related to the incident on social media. Questioning the government’s actions, Raj described the episode as deeply troubling and asked whether this was how democratic protests should be handled. The actor, who has frequently spoken on public and political issues, expressed solidarity with Wangchuk and those supporting the movement.

The criticism came shortly after Delhi Police confirmed that Wangchuk had been shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following medical advice. According to the police, the decision was taken in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court, which had earlier instructed authorities to closely monitor the activist’s health and intervene if his condition worsened. Officials maintained that the transfer was carried out solely to safeguard his life after his health deteriorated because of the prolonged fast.

Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital later said Wangchuk was stable but weak due to dehydration and prolonged fasting. They added that he would remain under continuous medical supervision. However, supporters at the protest site alleged that the activist had been taken away against his wishes, leading to emotional scenes and fresh demonstrations outside the venue.

The incident also prompted reactions from several political leaders and activists, who questioned the police action and called for greater transparency regarding Wangchuk’s treatment. Meanwhile, supporters announced that the movement would continue despite his hospitalisation, insisting that the demands for education reforms and accountability remain unchanged.

Dadlani and Prakash Raj join a growing list of film personalities who have publicly supported Wangchuk during his hunger strike. In recent days, actors including Aamir Khan, Imran Khan, Shekhar Suman, Atul Kulkarni, Omi Vaidya and Hrithik Roshan have either voiced concern over his health or backed his call for reforms in the country’s examination system.

As Wangchuk remains under medical observation, the debate surrounding his protest continues to intensify. While authorities maintain that shifting him to hospital was a necessary medical intervention, supporters and several public figures argue that the focus should remain on addressing the issues he has raised. The reactions from Vishal Dadlani and Prakash Raj have added to the growing chorus of voices questioning the handling of the activist’s protest and calling for dialogue over confrontation.