14 inmates dead in a month at Delhi govt shelter for mentally-challenged; commission to probe why
“Three deaths were reported in January, two in February, one in March, three in April and zero in May. However, the numbers shot up alarmingly in June and July,” a government official said.
3 min read
Between 2011 and 2017, 123 male and 73 female inmates died in Asha Kiran. FileMore than 14 deaths have been reported in a month at Asha Kiran, the Delhi government’s “home for the mentally challenged” in Rohini. A minor and six women are among those who died at the shelter. An inquiry commission was set up last week to probe the matter, and its report is awaited, said officials.
“Three deaths were reported in January, two in February, one in March, three in April and zero in May. However, the numbers shot up alarmingly in June and July,” a government official said.
According to official sources, a majority of inmates who died were aged between 20 and 30, and the cause of death was reported to be various health issues, including lung infections, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. The postmortem of two bodies is yet to be conducted at the Delhi government-run Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini, said sources.
“There were also cases of inmates who showed symptoms of malnourishment,” said an official source.
The reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are also awaited to rule out food poisoning.
The tests include viscera and histopathology tests. In the viscera test, the internal organs of the body, mainly in the cavities of the body are examined thoroughly to ascertain the cause of death under suspicious circumstances when autopsies are unconvincing. The histopathology test is done to examine human tissue for signs of health disorders, internal damage, or any abnormal traits in tissues.
“We will get a clear picture in 1-2 months when we have all the reports,” said an official source. The shelter — run by the Delhi government’s Social Welfare Department — was set up in 1989 in Rohini’s Sector 1 with a capacity to accommodate 350 people. At the time, it was the sole government-run residential facility for the mentally challenged in the whole of north India.
However, Asha Kiran has been embroiled in controversies over the years due to the deaths of the inmates. Between 2011 and 2017, 123 male and 73 female inmates died in Asha Kiran, records show. In 2008-09, there were 16 deaths in November and December. A total of 23 inmates died between December and January 2009-10; nine between August and September 2012-13; 13 in October and November 2013-14; 11 in April-May 2014-15; and 13 in November-December 2015-16. In 2017-18, there were seven deaths in the November-December period.
After each death is reported, the local district magistrate has to send a report to the National Human Rights Commission.
You May Like
Photos
