Delhi LG and AAP Trade Blame Over Asha Kiran Shelter Home Deaths

Tensions rise as Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and AAP trade accusations over the Administrator appointment at Asha Kiran Shelter Home following multiple deaths. The AAP alleges the LG posted a corrupt officer, while the LG's office claims the appointment followed standard procedure under the Social Welfare Department.

Following multiple fatalities at Delhi’s Asha Kiran Shelter Home, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena criticized the AAP-led Delhi Government over the administrator's posting at the facility. The AAP has charged LG Saxena with appointing a corrupt officer.

A statement from the LG's office clarified, "The administrator of Asha Kiran Home was appointed internally by the Social Welfare Department, under the CM's jurisdiction. He was not appointed by the LG. The officer was assigned to the Social Welfare Department as a DANICS officer on February 15, 2020, following LG’s approval. The Municipal Minister then appointed him as the Administrator." The statement continued, condemning AAP's allegations as "blatantly wrong and arrogantly misleading," accusing the party of habitual misinformation.

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj demanded to know why the administrator has not been suspended yet. "The officer, appointed by the central government and LG, was caught in a corruption scandal by the CBI in 2016. Suspended for five years, he should not have been appointed to such a sensitive role," said Bharadwaj. He added that despite severe mental health issues among shelter residents, their MLAs had trouble accessing the facility to inspect conditions.

Meanwhile, official reports state that Asha Kiran Shelter Home recorded the highest number of deaths in July, with 14 fatalities out of a total of 25 since February 2024.