An investigation by a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has uncovered that 13 children have died at the Asha Kiran shelter home for the specially abled in Delhi over the past 20 days. This brings the total number of reported deaths since January 2024 to 27, sparking allegations of neglect and poor conditions at the facility from political quarters.
The cause of these deaths remains undetermined, with officials awaiting post-mortem reports to establish the exact reasons. The SDM’s report has raised concerns about the quality of drinking water provided to the children, pointing to potential issues with sanitation and health standards.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has dispatched a fact-finding team to investigate the shelter home, criticizing the Delhi government for its alleged inaction. NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma expressed frustration, stating, “The Asha Kiran shelter home has lost all hope. People are suffering and dying, and the Delhi government is doing nothing about it.” The NCW is also auditing other Delhi government-run night shelters.
In response, Delhi Minister Atishi has contested the reported number of deaths and directed the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Revenue Department to conduct a magisterial inquiry within 48 hours. Atishi reported 14 deaths since January and requested recommendations for accountability and measures to prevent future incidents.
The situation at Asha Kiran shelter home remains under scrutiny, with both the government and independent bodies seeking to address the issues and improve conditions at the facility.
