The fact-finding team under National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma visited Asha Kiran, a Delhi government-run “home for the intellectually retarded” in Rohini where 14 deaths occurred (Male-6, Female-8) in the shelter home in the month of July only.
Following the visit, NCW released a statement, which read: “Chairperson of the NCW led a fact-finding team to Asha Kiran, a Delhi government-run “home for the intellectually retarded” in Rohini. The preliminary inquiry has uncovered numerous administrative lapses, including inadequate medical care, poor hygiene and sanitation, overcrowding, lack of safe drinking water, contaminated food, and lack of staff training. The final report with recommendations will be shared by the commission with the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi after the complete inquiry.”
On August 2, National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma visited Asha Kiran, a government home for the mentally challenged in Rohini, Delhi, following reports of multiple deaths among its residents.
Earlier, according to an official report, “Most number of deaths (14) have been recorded in July in the Asha Kiran Shelter Home being run in Delhi’s Rohini area.”
The official report stated that a total of 25 deaths were recorded from February 2024, out of which 14 occurred in the shelter home in the month of July only.
The report from Asha Kiran Shelter Home to the Delhi Government mentioned loose motion and unconsciousness as being the reason behind deaths. Other reasons included- mild fever, loose stools and vomiting.
Reacting to the incident, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi said, “Asha Kiran shelter home is being run in Delhi…Those who live here are abandoned people rescued by the police. A report is coming that 14 deaths have occurred here in July, among 14 one is a child. This is a serious matter and to investigate this a magisterial enquiry has been ordered. The preliminary report will be submitted within 24 hrs. If there is any negligence seen in the report by any official, strict action will be taken against them.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has also called for a comprehensive inquiry into the state of all shelter homes run by the GNCTD, including the circumstances surrounding the deaths at Asha Kiran Home.
(With inputs from ANI)
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