Activist and scientist Sonam Wangchuk, held in Jodhpur Central Jail under the National Security Act, was hospitalized at AIIMS Jodhpur due to illness. Wangchuk, escorted under tight security, underwent medical examinations at the hospital, where he spent about one and a half hours before returning to jail. He had previously sought medical attention at AIIMS for stomach-related issues and body pains.
It is suspected that contaminated water in Jodhpur Central Jail may be contributing to Wangchuk’s declining health. Despite initial plans to consult specialists in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department, he was ultimately examined by a gastroenterologist in the emergency department before being taken back to jail by the police escort. Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, has approached the Supreme Court seeking urgent medical assistance for her husband, citing his ongoing stomach problems due to poor water quality in jail.
In response to the plea, the Supreme Court has instructed the jail administration to arrange for Wangchuk to be seen by a specialist doctor from a government hospital and to provide a medical report by February 2. Wangchuk’s wife highlighted procedural issues in his detention order and errors in interpreting his videos during court hearings. Wangchuk, who has been in judicial custody at Jodhpur Central Jail since September 26, is facing charges related to violence in Leh, Ladakh.
