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Protest
Abhijeet Dipke announces hunger strike as anti-government protests intensify. Photo: Abhijeet Dipke/X

NEET protest explodes: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke begins indefinite hunger strike after Sonam Wangchuk's forceful removal

| @indiablooms | Jul 18, 2026, at 10:55 am

New Delhi/IBNS: The protest against the central government over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified on Saturday, with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke launching an indefinite hunger strike after activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Dipke announced his decision after Wangchuk was forcefully taken to a hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike.

"I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now," Dipke said in a post on X.

Dipke says protest, Parliament march will continue

In a video message released later, Dipke said the agitation would continue despite Wangchuk's removal and confirmed that the planned march to Parliament on July 20 would go ahead as scheduled.

CJP alleges police crackdown at Jantar Mantar

CJP protesters alleged that Delhi Police resorted to lathicharge and disrupted the protest site while removing Wangchuk.

"Delhi Police is cracking down at Jantar Mantar. Beating up people and taking away Sonam sir forcefully," Dipke wrote on X.

Wangchuk shifted to hospital after 21-day fast

Wangchuk's removal from the protest site and subsequent hospitalisation came days after the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to ensure the activist's health.

According to reports, Wangchuk has lost around 9 kg during his 21-day hunger strike.

Protest centred on NEET paper leak, education reforms

The protest, spearheaded by the online satirical campaign Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The campaign has also called for broader reforms in India's education system.

 

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