Delhi Government Orders Enquiry into Recent Deaths at Asha Kiran Deaths Amid Health and Malnutrition Concerns Flagged by Report

The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the recent deaths at Asha Kiran, the capital's sole government-run facility for individuals with mental health issues. The enquiry comes amid allegations that the deaths were due to "health issues and malnutrition." AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi has sought for a report within 48 hours.

“It is very shocking to hear such bad news in the Capital city of Delhi, and we cannot tolerate such lapses if found true. This is a very serious issue and needs to be thoroughly investigated,” said Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi. The minister has also asked for recommendations on appropriate actions against those responsible for the alleged negligence and suggestions for measures to prevent future incidents. This comes after a report by the Time Of India that claimed that 12 inmates, including 10 women, died between July 15 and July 31.

“The ACS (Additional Chief Secretary), Revenue is directed to immediately initiate a magisterial enquiry into the whole matter and submit a report on the same within 48 hours. Recommend action to be taken against those whose negligence has caused these deaths and suggest measures to prevent occurrences of such incidents in the future,” read the order.

According to the report by Times Of India, 12 inmates died in the latter half of July, with only one body sent for autopsy earlier in the month. The facility's medical records reportedly showed an unusually high number of 54 inmates sent for outside treatment in July. Anjali Sehrawat, Director of the Delhi government’s Social Welfare Department, confirmed the increase in deaths but contested the exact number reported. “There has been a surge in the deaths of inmates, but that can be attributed to multiple factors,” Sehrawat was quoted as saying by TOI.

Located in North Delhi's Rohini, Asha Kiran was established in 1989 with a capacity for 350 residents. The shelter, run by the Delhi government's Social Welfare Department, has faced several controversies over the years due to similar incidents.​