14 Deaths, 25 TB Cases: Details Of Delhi Shelter Home Leaves Nation Shocked

New Delhi: A worker at the Asha Kiran shelter home for the specially-abled in Rohini, Delhi, has disclosed disturbing conditions at the facility. The worker, speaking anonymously, claimed that around 25 inmates are currently suffering from tuberculosis (TB). She stated that there has been a decline in the quality of food provided over the past four years, with the once-complete meals of rice, dal, chapati, vegetables, and fruits now reduced. This revelation came in the wake of an investigation by a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), which revealed that at least 14 inmates have died at the shelter home in the last 20 days.

"The situation inside (the shelter home) is terrible. Half of those living there don't even have clothes to wear. They get limited food. The situation is not what is used to be four years ago," a leading portal quoted the Asha Kiran worker as saying.

When asked about the current food situation for the inmates, the worker explained, "Previously, they received a well-balanced diet including rice, dal, chapatis, vegetables, fruits, milk, and eggs. Now, adults no longer receive such a diet, leading to weakness and an increase in tuberculosis cases. They receive some essentials while recovering, but once they start to improve, their diet is again reduced." 

'Fungal-infested food, no toilet facility'

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), NCW National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma posted two pictures. She described one of the pictures as displaying the "official menu of Asha Jyoti Shelter home," while the other depicted "a food bowl infested with fungus that is served to the inmates." 

She also targeted the Delhi government led by Aam Aadmi Party, saying,"Young lives are lost because of sheer negligence of the Delhi government."

"There are 38 cases from July, out of which 14 are women who have died within a month. Prima facie it has been found that the water is contaminated, there is no water filter even in the kitchen. Most of the deaths have been because of diarrhoea. Overcrowding is also there; 495 inmates are kept here, where only 250 people can be accommodated," Sharma told reporters. 

NCPCR Demands Detailed Report Within 48 Hours

Apex child rights body NCPCR demanded a detailed report on the recent death of a minor at Asha Kiran. In a letter to the Delhi chief secretary, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) called for immediate action and submission of a fact-finding report within 48 hours.

Priyank Kanoongo, the NCPCR chairperson, emphasised the gravity of the situation and said, "It is imperative to ensure that such incidents do not recur and the safety of all children in such homes is guaranteed." The commission sought documents such as details of the dead child, copies of medical, post-mortem and Forensic Science Laboratory reports, copy of the FIR, present case status, and steps taken by the city government to ensure the safety of all children in the home, along with their current medical reports, to be included in the submission.

'Out of 14 Inmates Who Died, Some Had Comorbidities'

Meanwhile, Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi said that out of the 14 inmates who died in July at the Asha Kiran shelter home, many had comorbidities, and added that the guilty will not be spared if any negligence is found.  Addressing a press conference, Atishi said the Social Welfare Department of the Delhi Government runs a shelter home by the name of ‘Asha Kiran’.

"This shelter home is for intellectually challenged people, where 980 mentally challenged people live. There are many people here who are in the severe category of disability and along with that, they are suffering from many other physical problems, who are on bed rest and are completely dependent on others," she said.

The minister said Asha Kiran Home has 24x7 medical care units which include six doctors and 17 nurses. There are 450 caregivers who work 24 hours a day in three shifts, she said, adding most of the people in this home are abandoned or destitute and are brought by the police or handed over to them through the courts.

"The post-mortem report of these 14 deaths has not come yet. However, initial investigations have revealed that many of the deceased were suffering from many physical problems other than intellectual disability. Fourteen deaths in a month is a very serious matter. Given this, we have immediately ordered a magisterial inquiry and a deadline of 24 hours has been given for the preliminary investigation report," she said.

She said if any officer, doctor, nurse, caregiver or administrative staff is found negligent in this investigation, strict action will be taken against them.

For the unversed, Asha Kiran is a Delhi government-run facility for the "intellectually challenged" and it comes under the Social Welfare Department. The department is currently without a head following the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand.