Delhi shelter home deaths: Minister says some of the victims had comorbidities

Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi on Friday (Aug 2) said that out of the inmates who died last monthat the Asha Kiran shelter home in the Indian national capital'sRohini, some hadcomorbidities. Asha Kiran is aDelhi government-run facility for the “mentally challenged” and it comes under its Social Welfare Department.

Out of the 14 inmates who died in July, 13 were adults and one was a minor. TheAam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government ordered a magisterial inquiry into the deaths at the facility.

Autopsy report of inmates awaited

“Those suffering from profound or serious disability have other comorbidities also. The deaths of the 14 inmates in July is a serious matter," Atishi told reporters, adding, the autopsy report of the inmates was awaited.

“Some of those who succumbed were hospitalised in June. What I am saying is that their deaths need to be medically examined also,” she added.

The minister further assured that if any "negligence is found on the part of any official, they won’t be spared."

"Police inquiry against them will also be initiated," Atishisaid.

Delhi L-G seeks report within a week

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G)VK Saxena on Friday directed a comprehensive inquiry into the state of all shelter homes of the Delhi government, including the fatalities at the Asha Kiran facility, and sought a report within a week.

#WATCH | Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi says, "Asha Kiran shelter home is being run in Delhi...Those who live here are abandoned people rescued by the police...A report is coming that 14 deaths have occurred here in the month of July...among 14 one is a child...This is a… pic.twitter.com/W7oidgM55q — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

In astatement, Saxena's office said that the L-G asked for adequate compensation to be paid to the families of guardians of the 14 victims.

NCW chief visits shelter home

Also on Friday, National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma visited the Asha Kiran shelter in Rohini. Speaking to reporters, Sharma said that most of the victims died due to diarrhoea.

#WATCH | Deaths at Asha Kiran shelter home in Delhi | National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma says, "Several death cases have been reported here and the prima facie is water is contaminated, no filter facility is there...Most of them have died due to… pic.twitter.com/rJiYRfNMV8 — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

"Overcrowding is there in the shelter home...No toilet facility is there...I have demanded the papers...There is no register for entry and exit...No biometric attendance is there...The staff present here are untrained and unregulated," Sharma said.

"A strict and independent enquiry should be done and I will demand this from the Central government...I will submit my report also to the Central government..." she added.

(With inputs from agencies)