Bihar Shelter Home Deaths Prompt Action Against Officials Following Food Adulteration Findings

The Bihar government's Social Welfare Department has suspended the officer-in-charge of a women's shelter home in Patna. This action follows the deaths of three inmates and the illness of several others due to contaminated food. Alongside the suspension, 12 other employees have been dismissed for negligence, with disciplinary measures underway.

Three inmates at Ashra Grih, a state-run shelter home for differently-abled women in Patna, died after consuming tainted food. The incident occurred on November 7, with a 24-year-old woman passing away that day. A nine-year-old girl died on November 10, and a 12-year-old girl succumbed on Wednesday evening.

Food Safety Concerns

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reported that the food served at the shelter was unfit for consumption. "Spices like turmeric and coriander were found to be adulterated," said Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Welfare Department. Lead chromate was detected in turmeric, making it unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The FSSAI's findings prompted immediate action against the supplier responsible for providing materials to Ashra Grih. The process to blacklist this firm has begun, and an FIR is being registered against them. These steps aim to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Medical Response and Inspections

Senior officials, including Bamhrah, visited Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) to check on the affected inmates. Doctors assured them that those still admitted would soon be discharged. The ACS also met with the ailing inmates during her visit.

Bamhrah has instructed state health department officials to conduct medical examinations for all remaining inmates at Ashra Grih. Additionally, she has requested District Magistrates across Bihar to inspect shelter homes in their areas and report back within a week.

This tragic event highlights serious lapses in food safety and oversight at state-run facilities. The swift actions taken by authorities aim to address these issues and ensure better protection for vulnerable individuals residing in such homes.