New Delhi: A sub-divisional magistrate’s investigation has revealed that 13 children have died within the last 20 days at a Delhi government-operated shelter for the specially-abled.
Since January, there have been 27 reported deaths at the Asha Kiran home in Rohini, which has led to accusations of neglect and substandard living conditions by the BJP.
The reasons for the deaths at Asha Kiran remain unclear. The SDM noted that the death toll is significantly higher than the previous year and stated that the actual causes of death would be determined following the autopsy reports.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has dispatched a fact-finding team to the shelter, criticizing the AAP government for its negligence.
NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma expressed her concerns, stating, “For years, the Asha Kiran home, managed by the Delhi government, has been devoid of hope. People are suffering and dying, and the Delhi government has taken no action. We are taking cognizance and have sent my team to investigate.”
Sharma also mentioned that the NCW is conducting an audit of the night shelters overseen by the Delhi government.
Contrarily, Delhi minister Atishi reported a different death toll and directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department to begin a magisterial inquiry and deliver a report within 48 hours. According to Atishi, there have been 14 deaths at the home since January 2024.
The minister has requested recommendations for actions against those responsible for the deaths due to negligence and also for preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
