Delhi L-G, Atishi call for inquiry into deaths of 14 inmates at Asha Kiran shelter home: ‘Will not go unpunished’

According to government officials, a minor and six women are among those who died at the government-run shelter and an inquiry commission was set up last week to probe the matter. Official sources said a majority of the inmates who died were aged between 20 and 30, and the cause of death included various health issues such as lung infections, tuberculosis and pneumonia.

“It appears that 28 intellectually disabled inmates, including youth and adolescents, have lost their lives at Asha Kiran Home run by the Social Welfare department… since January this year. In July, 14 inmates have lost their lives,” Saxena stated in a communication to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar.

“Honourable Lieutenant Governor has taken a grave view of the matter, which points to criminal negligence… all these young inmates, who were suffering from severe intellectual disability have lost their lives, apparently on account of the poor medical facilities, inadequate nutrition and poor water supply,” it stated.

This “lack of sensitivity” and “absence of supervision”, the L-G noted further, pointed not only to dereliction of duty but was also “an act of criminality against the most helpless and disadvantaged, who were entrusted to the care of the Government”.

Saxena issued directions for a comprehensive inquiry on the state of affairs of all government-run shelter homes including the deaths at Asha Kiran, fixing responsibility, within a week. “A white paper on running of all Homes by the Social Welfare, Women & Child Department and DUSIB, including expenditure, facilities, number of inmates admitted, medical facilities available etc may be prepared and submitted within three weeks,” the communication also stated.

Atishi emphasised that any detected negligence among officers, doctors, nurses, caregivers, or administrative staff will be met with stringent action. “I want to assure people of Delhi that any death resulting from negligence or irresponsible behaviour will not go unpunished,” she said.

Administered by the Delhi Social Welfare Department, Asha Kiran has an occupancy of 980 intellectually challenged people — including those who fall under the severe category of disability as well as those suffering from many other physical problems and on bed rest, most of whom have been abandoned.

Atishi added that the facility has 24×7 medical care units including six doctors and 17 nurses with 450 caregivers working in three shifts.

“The post-mortem report of these 14 deaths has not come yet. However, initial investigations revealed that many of the deceased were suffering from many physical problems other than intellectual disability… 14 deaths in a month is a very serious matter… we have immediately ordered a magisterial inquiry and a deadline of 48 hours has been given for the preliminary investigation report,” Atishi said.

“I want to assure Delhiites that if the investigation finds that any of these deaths have occurred due to negligence or irresponsible behavior, then no officer will be spared. Apart from government action, police action will also be taken against them. We are waiting for the post-mortem report and the preliminary report of the magisterial inquiry. Further action will be taken as soon as these arrive,” she added.