At least 13 children die in Delhi shelter home within 20 days

An investigation by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate revealed that 13 children have died at the Asha Kiran shelter home in Delhi over the past 20 days. This government-run facility in Rohini has now seen a total of 27 deaths since January. These deaths have sparked allegations of neglect and poor living conditions from the BJP. The cause of these fatalities remains unknown, pending post-mortem reports.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) criticized the AAP government for its negligence. NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said, "For years, the Asha Kiran shelter home run by the Delhi government has lost all asha (hope). People are suffering and dying in it and the Delhi government does nothing, nothing at all." The NCW has sent a fact-finding team and is auditing other night shelters run by the Delhi government.

In contrast, Delhi minister Atishi disputed the death toll, stating there have been 14 deaths since January 2024. She has requested a magisterial probe and demanded a report within 48 hours. Atishi also called for recommendations on actions against those responsible for the negligence and measures to prevent future incidents.

The BJP has also taken action, with a team visiting Asha Kiran to assess the situation. BJP Mahila Morcha vice president Rekha Gupta claimed, "The children are getting dirty water, they don't get food, they don't get treatment. An inquiry should be conducted and all the officers who are involved in this should be punished."

Delhi minister Gopal Rai responded by accusing the BJP of selective outrage. He pointed out that BJP leaders did not protest when a woman and her son drowned in a drain in Mayur Vihar. Rai assured that the concerned minister is monitoring the case and that those responsible will be held accountable. "The Delhi government stands with the people," he said.