Kejriwal Orders Probe Into Lapses at Delhi Govt-run Asha Kiran Home

File photo of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

New Delhi: The deplorable conditions at the Asha Kiran Home for the mentally challenged where 11 inmates have died over the past two months saw the opposition BJP and Congress attack the AAP government on Monday even as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered the Chief Secretary to file a report on the lapses.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), too, has taken strong note of the lapses after a surprise visit.

Swati Maliwal, DCW chairperson along with DCW member Promila Gupta and other staff members, spent the night on Saturday at the shelter home and found gross violations of human rights, extremely unhygienic toilets and shortage of staff.

ALSO READ: Nude Women on CCTV, 11 Deaths in 2 Months at Delhi Govt-Run Asha Kiran

“Women were being made to remove their clothes in the open while being lined up for taking a bath. Shockingly, completely nude women were roaming around in the corridors,” Maliwal said.

“Moreover, the corridors of the dormitory had CCTV cameras installed which are being monitored by male staffers. The Commission saw the CCTV footage which captured mentally- challenged women roaming around nude,” Maliwal said in a statement.

The inmates were being forced to sweep, wash clothes and look after fellow boarders. At another corner, an ailing inmate force-played a masseuse and massages the legs of a woman employee, DCW noted. The commission has issued a notice to the social welfare department secretary and asked them to respond within 72 hours as the “matter is extremely serious and concerns the life and liberty of the residents”.

DCW has set up a separate inquiry committee to look into complaints against the home. Meanwhile, a report will be submitted to the government.

(With IANS inputs)