In a shocking incident, 14 inmates have died at the Asha Kiran shelter home for the specially abled in Delhi’s Rohini area over the past 20 days. The shelter home, run by the Delhi government, has seen a total of 27 deaths since January 2024, raising serious concerns about the quality of care and living conditions provided to the residents.
According to the preliminary reports, the deceased include a minor aged 14-15 years and 13 adults above 20 years of age. Of the 13 inmates who died between July 15 and 31, 8 were women and 5 were men, while one inmate died between July 1 and 15.
The cause of the deaths remains unknown, with the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) conducting an investigation. The SDM noted that the number of deaths was much higher compared to the previous year and stated that the real cause would be determined after the post-mortem reports are available.
Interestingly, Delhi minister Atishi differed on the number of deaths, stating that there were 14 deaths since January 2024. She has ordered a magisterial probe and sought recommendations on action against those responsible for the negligence that led to the deaths, as well as measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a fact-finding team to the shelter home and has strongly criticized the AAP government for negligence. NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma stated that the shelter home has lost all hope and that the Delhi government has done nothing to address the suffering and deaths of the inmates.
The BJP has also reached the shelter home to assess the situation, alleging that the inmates are being provided with dirty water, inadequate food, and lack of proper medical treatment. The BJP has demanded an inquiry and punishment for the officers involved in the negligence.
The Delhi government, represented by minister Gopal Rai, has hit back at the BJP, stating that they did not protest when a woman and her son drowned in a drain in Mayur Vihar. Rai asserted that the concerned minister is closely monitoring the case and that the guilty will not be spared.
As the investigation into the deaths continues, it is crucial for the Delhi government to ensure that the shelter home provides a safe and healthy environment for its residents and that proper medical care and basic necessities are made available to them. The well-being of the specially abled inmates should be the top priority, and strict action must be taken against those found responsible for any negligence or wrongdoing.
