Asha Kiran Shelter Home Administrator Relieved After Inmate Deaths Controversy

The Delhi government has directed that Rahul Agarwal, the administrator of Asha Kiran shelter home, be relieved from his post following the deaths of 14 inmates. The Department of Social Welfare has reappointed him as deputy director (disability). The decision follows scrutiny and accusations of previous bribery against Agarwal.

The Delhi government has decided to relieve Rahul Agarwal, the administrator of Asha Kiran shelter home, from his position following the deaths of 14 inmates in July.

In an official order issued on September 3, the Department of Social Welfare has directed that Agarwal, who held multiple positions including administrator of the shelter home, be reassigned as the deputy director (disability).

Asha Kiran, a Delhi government-run facility for "intellectually disabled" individuals under the Social Welfare Department, came under intense scrutiny last month when the Aam Aadmi Party questioned why an officer previously suspended for alleged bribery was appointed as administrator. The Raj Niwas clarified that the appointment was made internally by the Social Welfare Department, which is controlled by the chief minister and relevant minister, not by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.

In response to the deaths, the Delhi government has ordered a magisterial probe.

(With inputs from agencies.)