13 children 'mysteriously' die at Delhi shelter home: Report
Thirteen children have died under mysterious circumstances within a span of 20 days at Asha Kiran, a shelter home for the mentally challenged run by the Delhi government. Located in Rohini, the facility has reported a total of 27 deaths since January this year. The cause behind these deaths remains unknown and will be determined upon the release of the post-mortem examination reports.
Water contamination suspected in shelter home deaths
According to the Times of India, most victims displayed symptoms of loose motions and vomiting, leading to suspicions of water contamination or food poisoning. Other reports claimed that the majority of inmates who died were aged between 20 and 30, and the cause of death was believed to be health issues and malnutrition. Given the severity of the situation, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has dispatched a fact-finding team to investigate these concerns at Asha Kiran.
NCW Chairperson criticizes Delhi government's negligence
NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma publicly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government for its negligence, stating, "The Asha Kiran shelter home run by the Delhi government has lost all asha (hope). People are suffering and dying in it and the Delhi government does nothing, nothing at all." Sharma also disclosed that an audit of night shelters run by the Delhi government is currently being conducted by the NCW.
Discrepancy in reported deaths, Delhi minister calls for probe
Delhi minister Atishi has disputed the reported number of deaths at Asha Kiran, stating in a letter to the additional chief secretary (ACS) of the Revenue department that there have been 14 deaths since January 2024. She has requested a magisterial probe into these incidents and asked for a report within 48 hours. Additionally, Atishi has sought recommendations on action against those responsible for negligence and measures to prevent such incidents in future.
BJP expresses concern over conditions at Asha Kiran
The BJP has also voiced concern over the conditions at Asha Kiran. Rekha Gupta, Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha vice president, stated that "the children are getting dirty water, they don't get food, they don't get treatment." She called for an inquiry and punishment for the officers involved in this negligence.
