By The Sampadak Express
In a shocking revelation, 42 senior citizens were rescued from a Noida-based old-age home operating without a licence, following a police raid on Thursday. The raid, conducted jointly with officials from the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission and the State Welfare Department, uncovered disturbing scenes of neglect and abuse.
The facility, identified as Anand Niketan Vridha Seva Ashram located at C-5, Sector 55, Noida, was reportedly functioning illegally and in dire condition. Authorities were alerted after a video clip went viral on social media, showing an elderly woman tied up in a room. The footage was forwarded to the Social Welfare Department in Lucknow, prompting swift action.
According to Meenakshi Bharala, a member of the State Women’s Commission who was present during the raid, the situation inside the ashram was appalling. “An elderly woman was found tied up, several residents were locked in basement-like rooms, and some were discovered either unclothed or semi-clad,” she said.“
This establishment is completely illegal. Immediate action has been initiated to shift all 42 rescued residents to safe government-approved shelters,” Bharala added. She confirmed that three of the elderly individuals would be moved to a state-run old-age home on Friday, while arrangements for the remaining residents are underway and will be completed within five days.
The facility is set to be sealed by the administration in the coming days as part of further legal proceedings.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the full extent of the violations and to hold those responsible accountable.
