Kaun Banega Crorepati
Ladakh ProtestsNSA ArrestSonam Wangchuk

Sonam Wangchuk’s NSA Arrest: Unpacking Ladakh’s Fiery Protests & The KBC Claim

Pooja Mishra | 3 min read | 2 days ago | Oct 03, 2025 06:47 pm IST
Sonam Wangchuk's NSA Arrest: Unpacking Ladakh's Fiery Protests & The KBC Claim

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk is back in headlines, but this time for his arrest under the draconian National Security Act (NSA). His detention follows violent protests in Ladakh, sparking a national debate. But amidst this turmoil, a curious claim about his past as a KBC winner has also surfaced. What does the data truly reveal about this prominent figure and the escalating crisis?

What Data Reveals

The situation in Ladakh took a grave turn on September 24, 2025, when protests in Leh escalated into violence. These clashes resulted in four deaths and over 80 injuries, including the torching of the local BJP office. Wangchuk’s arrest under the NSA on September 26, 2025, came swiftly after these events. Authorities have accused him of inciting the protestors and maintaining alleged links with a Pakistan intelligence officer. He is currently held in Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.

The genesis of these protests lies in Ladakh’s long-standing demands for full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This move aims to safeguard tribal identity, land, and resources, a concern that emerged significantly after Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. Sonam Wangchuk had previously led an 800-kilometer peace march to New Delhi to advocate for these constitutional safeguards.

A Family’s Fight & Political Fallout

Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has vehemently challenged his detention. On October 1, 2025, she wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah, appealing for his release. She followed this with a Habeas Corpus petition in the Supreme Court on October 2, 2025, alleging illegal detention and a “witch-hunt.” While 26 other protestors detained during the violence were released, Wangchuk remains under NSA. This has led the Apex Body, Leh, and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, key negotiating organizations, to withdraw from talks with the government.

Join Our Telegram Channel

Stay updated with our latest posts and exclusive content

Further, an FIR was registered on September 30, 2025, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, seeking details of students and staff from Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), raising concerns about potential targeting.

The KBC Connection: What We Know (And Don’t)

Amidst the serious developments surrounding his arrest and the Ladakh protests, some public discussions have referred to Sonam Wangchuk as a KBC winner. However, strict adherence to available data reveals a crucial detail: no information dated on or after October 1, 2025, was found through Google Search results indicating that Sonam Wangchuk won Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). This means, based solely on the provided and recent intelligence, there is no verifiable record of his participation or win on the popular quiz show.

The situation in Ladakh is complex, with demands for constitutional protections meeting a firm state response. Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA marks a critical point in this ongoing struggle. As his wife seeks legal recourse and the political climate remains tense, the true story of Ladakh’s future, and the facts surrounding Wangchuk’s past, continue to unfold. Share your thoughts on this unfolding crisis and stay informed on developments!