Full Breakdown
Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike Amid Escalating “Cockroach” Protests
7/25/2026, 12:08:58 AM
Core Event: End of the Fast
On July 24, 2026 activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present when he sign-posted the conclusion of his fast.
Background & Context
The “Cockroach” protests erupted after allegations that the NEET exam for medical colleges was leaked. Approximately 2.28 million candidates sat the exam on May 3, 2026; it was cancelled on May 12 and re-held on June 21. On June 28 Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with students, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, examination reforms, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide. The youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) grew from a satirical online group into a major dissent movement against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
Data & Statistics
- Wangchuk lost 11 kg (? 24 lb) during the fast.
- Police reported 60 protesters and 118 officers injured; the CJP claimed 150 protesters were hurt, and hospital officials said at least 300 people (protesters and police) were admitted.
- More than 20 students have been reported to have died by suicide following the NEET paper-leak controversy.
Official Statements & Responses
The government issued written assurances that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters, that compensation would be provided to families of deceased students, and that the matter would be debated in Parliament. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has not addressed the resignation demand but criticised opposition parties for “exploiting students as political tools.”
Criticism & Opposition
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reiterated that demonstrations will continue until Pradhan steps down, describing Wangchuk’s sacrifice as a catalyst for nationwide action. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka warned that the government’s proposed fast-track courts address only the symptom, not the underlying cause of exam paper leaks.
On-the-Ground Reports
On July 20 a march toward Parliament was met with police batons, tear-gas and lathi-charges, leaving dozens injured. Human Rights Watch called the security response “excessive force” and urged an impartial investigation. Protesters maintained a round-the-clock sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, while authorities shut 16 metro stations and suspended mobile internet in the vicinity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Injury figures differ sharply between official police counts (60 protesters) and CJP claims (150 protesters). The Education Minister has offered no timeline for a possible resignation, and the exact content of the promised parliamentary debate on examination reforms remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The Centre has scheduled talks with CJP representatives at a neutral venue on Friday following the written assurances. Fast-track courts and the draft anti-leak bill are slated for cabinet approval and introduction in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Both the government and protest leaders have signalled that continued dialogue will shape the resolution of the broader NEET-leak controversy.
