Delhi Minister Atishi orders probe into deaths of 14 inmates of Asha Kiran shelter home

Delhi minister Atishi instructed the Revenue Department to launch a magisterial inquiry into the deaths of 14 residents at the Asha Kiran shelter home in Rohini, located in northwest Delhi. She requested a report be submitted within 48 hours.

Asha Kiran, managed by the Delhi government, is a facility for individuals with mental disabilities and is part of the Social Welfare Department. The department is currently leaderless due to the resignation of Raaj Kumar Anand.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is presently in Tihar jail, has not delegated the department’s responsibilities to another minister.

Responding to reports about the deaths that have occurred since January, Atishi noted that the deaths were “reportedly due to health issues and malnutrition,” suggesting a lack of necessary facilities for the residents.

“This news is shocking for the capital city of Delhi, and such negligence, if confirmed, is intolerable. This is a grave issue that requires a thorough investigation to implement measures for improving the conditions of all such homes, ensuring better facilities for the residents,” the minister stated.

Atishi ordered the additional chief secretary of revenue to promptly conduct a magisterial inquiry as outlined in the news reports and deliver a report within 48 hours.

The minister’s note specified, “Recommend actions against those whose negligence led to these deaths. Propose preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced that its MP from northwest Delhi, Yogendra Chandoliya, would address the issue in the Lok Sabha, and party leaders would visit the shelter home.

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Rekha Gupta, vice president of the All India BJP Mahila Morcha, BJP MLA from Rohini Vijender Gupta, and North West district president Satyanarain Gautam attempted to enter the shelter home but were denied entry, leading them to stage a protest.

Earlier, Delhi cabinet minister Gopal Rai criticised the BJP for their visit.

“BJP is protesting at Asha Kiran, yet they did not protest the deaths of a mother and son who drowned in a waterlogged drain under the DDA’s jurisdiction. They avoided that matter. This dual approach to politics must end,” Rai said.

“The responsible minister is overseeing the situation. Anyone found guilty will face consequences. We will utilize our power to act and support the people of Delhi, whether the issue involves the MCD or DDA,” he added.

Tanuja, 22, and her three-year-old son Priyansh drowned in a waterlogged drain during a heavy downpour on Wednesday evening in East Delhi’s Ghazipur area while attending a weekly market. (With inputs from PTI)