Lieutenant Governor Directs Inquiry into Deaths at Asha Kiran Shelter Home

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has ordered a detailed inquiry into the conditions of all Delhi government shelter homes, following multiple inmate deaths at the Asha Kiran facility. He has requested a report within a week and called for adequate compensation for the deceased's families. Saxena criticized the facility's administration and highlighted severe neglect.

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Friday directed a comprehensive inquiry into the state of affairs at all Delhi government shelter homes. This directive follows the deaths of several inmates at the Asha Kiran facility in Rohini, according to a statement from the Raj Niwas.

Saxena has called for adequate compensation to be paid to the families of the deceased inmates. He also urged immediate action against the facility's administrator.

The LG has mandated a white paper on the operations of all shelter homes managed by the Social Welfare Department, Women and Child Department, and DUSIB, detailing expenditures, facilities, and medical services. This report is to be submitted within three weeks.

There have been a total of 14 deaths in a month at Asha Kiran, a Delhi government-run home for the mentally challenged. The deceased comprised 13 adults and one minor. This situation has led the LG to suspect 'criminal negligence' on the part of the involved officials.

The LG expressed his distress over the deaths of all young inmates suffering from severe intellectual disabilities. He attributed these deaths to poor medical facilities, inadequate nutrition, and substandard water supply.

Saxena has characterized the lack of sensitivity and supervision as not only a 'dereliction of duty' but also an 'act of criminality' against the vulnerable individuals placed under government care, as per the Raj Niwas statement.

(With inputs from agencies.)