At Delhi govt shelter home, teen died of ‘assault’ in Jan, no FIR till date

The Indian Express has learnt that on the morning of January 14, the 16-year-old complained that he was “unable to breathe”. He was taken to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The teen, who suffered from intellectual disability, had moved into the home on December 16, 2023, sources said.

An autopsy was conducted at the hospital the next day. The post-mortem report states: “Death was due to hemorrhagic shock consequent to internal injuries to the abdomen. All injuries were ante-mortem, fresh before death, caused by blunt force and collectively were  sufficient to cause death in the ordinary course of nature. The pattern of injuries to the abdomen is consistent with physical assault.”

The body was later handed over to the sub-divisional magistrate’s office, which conducted the last rites.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rohini, Guriqbal Singh Sidhu, as per the law, if there is a suspicious or unexplained death at protective homes or custody/correctional facilities, the sub-divisional magistrate orders an inquiry and gives directions based on the findings of the inquiry report.

An inquest report is then prepared by an SDM. They submit this report along with the autopsy report, and ask the police to file an FIR, the DCP said. “However, we have not received any such report as per my knowledge,” said DCP Sidhu.

When contacted, sub-divisional magistrate Manish Chandra Verma said their investigation is still underway. “Hearings of Asha Kiran staff with relevant records have been scheduled,” he said.

He did not comment on why no FIR has been registered so far. “The police have to take a call on this,” he said.

When asked about the case, the Delhi government said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Asha Kiran in January. This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency by the authorities. Strongest possible action will be taken against those responsible as soon as the ongoing inquiry is concluded. The Delhi government is committed to ensuring that justice is served.”