Delhi Assembly Committee Investigates Series of Inmate Deaths at Rohini Shelter

A Delhi Assembly committee visited the Asha Kiran shelter home in Rohini to investigate recent deaths of inmates. The Committee on Petitions will soon present its findings to the Assembly Speaker, including recorded accounts from residents, according to a statement.

The committee, led by AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar, was stopped outside the shelter. Kumar said he would write to the Delhi Assembly Speaker about this issue. He noted several deficiencies in the shelter and expressed concerns about negligence and shortcomings.

Complaints and Deficiencies

Kumar mentioned receiving numerous complaints about Asha Kiran Home. During their visit, they interacted with residents and recorded videos. "People living there have said that they did not get food, there was no cleanliness, there was no treatment," he stated.

The committee plans to release these recordings soon and show the conditions at the shelter. Kumar questioned why the officer responsible for these issues had not been suspended yet.

Inquiry and Investigation

The Delhi government ordered a magisterial probe into the death of 14 inmates at Asha Kiran last month. The Lt Governor also directed an investigation into the operations of Delhi's shelter homes, including Asha Kiran.

At a press conference, senior AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that Rahul Agarwal, the shelter home's administrator, was arrested by the CBI in 2016 for taking a bribe and remained suspended for five years.

Administrator Appointment Controversy

The Aam Aadmi Party questioned Lt Governor V K Saxena about appointing an officer previously suspended for bribery as the administrator of Asha Kiran. Officials at Raj Niwas clarified that Agarwal was appointed internally by the Social Welfare Department, which is under the control of the chief minister and concerned minister.

"I want to ask LG sahab why he gave the responsibility of administrator to an officer who was caught taking bribe by CBI and who was suspended for 5 years?" Kumar asked.

Committee's Rights and Actions

Kumar highlighted that the committee has constitutional rights and should not have been stopped from entering the home. "What have they hidden inside?" he questioned, adding that they will submit their report to the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

The minister of the Delhi government has ordered an inquiry into this matter. Despite receiving a complaint and coming to investigate, being stopped is unfortunate. "We will write to the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly about this," Kumar reiterated.

No immediate reaction was available from Agarwal regarding these allegations. The committee aims to address these issues promptly and ensure accountability within the shelter home system.