The Delhi Police executed a highly coordinated and strategic operation in the early hours of Saturday, July 18, to remove climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike at the site for the past 20 days. The operation was carried out with precision to ensure minimal disruption and to avoid any major confrontation with the protesters present at the site.
The High-Level Strategy and Planning
According to sources, the blueprint for this operation was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by the newly appointed Police Commissioner, Anurag Kumar. After taking charge, the Commissioner reviewed the situation at Jantar Mantar and decided on a tactical approach to relocate Wangchuk for medical reasons. The strategy was kept highly confidential, with only senior officials being aware of the full details, while junior officers like inspectors were only instructed to reach the spot at a specific time.
Execution in Plainclothes and Early Morning Timing
The timing of the operation was a crucial element of the plan, while senior officials decided to strike in the early morning hours when the number of protesters at the site is typically at its lowest. The police also waited for a specific window when Wangchuk’s close associate, Abhijeet Dipke, had briefly left the protest site, while approximately 30 to 35 police personnel were involved in the core team. This team included members of the Special Staff from the New Delhi district and local police officers. To maintain a low profile and avoid immediate recognition, these officers arrived in plainclothes instead of their official uniforms.
The Use of White Sheets and Tactical Removal
Upon entering the barricaded protest area, the plainclothes officers moved swiftly toward the stage where Sonam Wangchuk was resting. In a move designed to shield the action from cameras and onlookers, the personnel used large white sheets to surround and cover Wangchuk’s bed from all sides. Once he was obscured from view, they moved him from the stage and escorted him out of the protest area. This tactical use of white sheets was a key part of the strategy to prevent any visual escalation or immediate public outcry during the physical removal.
A Three-Tiered Operational Structure
The entire operation was executed across three distinct levels to ensure total control over the situation, while at the first level, the plainclothes officers took control of the stage and managed the physical removal of Wangchuk. The second level involved personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF). These units were stationed outside the barricades to hold back other protesters and prevent any potential clashes or interference with the primary team. The third level consisted of senior Delhi Police officials who monitored the entire proceeding from a control point established near the ambulances and police vehicles. As soon as Wangchuk was placed in the ambulance, the traffic police ensured a green corridor, allowing the vehicle to reach Safdarjung Hospital without any delays.
Allegations and the Aftermath
Shortly after the operation concluded, Abhijeet Dipke returned to Jantar Mantar and expressed his outrage, while he alleged that the police took advantage of his absence to remove Sonam Wangchuk. Dipke announced that he would now sit on a hunger strike himself and went as far as demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister. On the other hand, the Delhi Police maintained that the entire action was conducted peacefully and with great restraint. They've issued an appeal to the remaining protesters to vacate the Jantar Mantar protest site peacefully and as soon as possible.