NEW DELHI: Just a day after taking charge as Delhi Police commissioner, Anurag Kumar oversaw his first major operation as activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during his 21-day indefinite hunger strike.The operation at Jantar Mantar on Saturday marked the first significant move under Kumar, a 1994-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer who assumed office on Friday.According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was hospitalised for “essential medical care” on the advice of medical experts. Police sources, however, said the operation could be seen as Kumar’s first major operational decision after taking over as Delhi’s police chief.The early morning operation saw a brief commotion after some protesters allegedly tried to obstruct the police action. Officers said personnel exercised restraint before shifting Wangchuk safely to the government hospital for treatment.A senior police source said Kumar has made it clear to officers that maintaining law and order would remain his top priority.“The commissioner has directed all district and unit heads to ensure there is no breach of law and order anywhere in the city,” the source said.Before taking charge of Delhi Police, Kumar served as special director in the Intelligence Bureau, where he spent nearly two decades handling key assignments related to Kashmir, VIP security and Left Wing Extremism.He also served at the Indian mission in Washington and has been awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.Kumar succeeded Satish Golchha, who had headed Delhi Police since August 2025. Following the appointment, Golchha has been directed to report to the lieutenant governor for his next posting after handing over charge.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Doctors monitoring him had said he had lost nearly 9.5 kg during the fast, while his blood pressure and blood sugar levels remained under close observation.In a statement, Delhi Police said the activist was shifted for “essential medical care” following expert medical advice and in compliance with the high court’s orders. It also appealed to protesters to end their protest peacefully and vacate the site.Following the police action, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke alleged on social media that protesters were detained and subjected to police action during the exercise.(With inputs from PTI)
