Shocking conditions uncovered at Anand Niketan Vridha Ashram in Noida: 39 elderly residents found locked in rooms, tied up, and wearing soiled clothes. Authorities raid the premises and launch investigation.
🧓 Noida Horror: 39 Elderly Rescued From “Hell-Like” Old-Age Home
In a horrifying case of elder abuse and neglect, 39 senior citizens were rescued from Anand Niketan Vridha Ashram, an old-age home in Noida’s Sector 55, after a raid by the State Women’s Commission and Noida Police. The raid followed the circulation of a viral video showing disturbing scenes of elderly people tied up, left unclothed, and abandoned in rooms with no caretakers in sight.
📹 Viral Video Triggers Action
A short video sent to the Social Welfare Department in Lucknow revealed the harrowing condition of the inmates — with one elderly woman shown tied up in a room. The clip sparked outrage, prompting an urgent raid on Thursday.
🔍 Conditions “Worse Than Hell”: Officials Respond
According to Meenakshi Bharala, a member of the State Women’s Commission, many elderly men were found locked in basement-like rooms with no clothes. Several women were wearing urine- and feces-stained clothing, and many were malnourished and visibly traumatised.
“This place is worse than hell,” said Bharala, shocked by the horrific conditions.
👥 No Qualified Staff, No Medical Supervision
Officials found there was no trained medical or care staff on site. Shockingly, one person claiming to be a nurse admitted to having only passed the 12th standard, with no medical training. The ashram, which was home to mentally and physically vulnerable residents, lacked even the most basic hygiene and healthcare protocols.
💸 Rs 2.5 Lakh ‘Donations’ and Monthly Fees
Preliminary investigations revealed that the ashram had allegedly collected donations up to ₹2.5 lakh from families, in addition to charging ₹6,000 monthly for food and lodging — while offering none of the promised care or dignity.
⚖️ Trustee Defends Actions, Alleges Vendetta
In her defense, trustee Nilemma Mishra stated that the woman shown tied up in the video was mentally challenged and restrained only to prevent self-harm. She claimed that the video and subsequent raid were part of a “personal vendetta” against her.
“We have terminated the services of the helper who tied the resident,” she told NDTV.
However, her explanations have not satisfied the authorities or the public.
🏥 Rescue and Relocation Underway
All 39 rescued senior citizens are currently receiving medical attention and will be shifted to government-run old-age homes in the coming days. Police have filed a case against the ashram, and a detailed investigation is underway.
🚨 Call for Stronger Regulations on Elderly Care
This incident has reignited the national debate on the lack of regulation, oversight, and accountability in privately-run elderly care institutions. Advocates are calling for:
- Stricter licensing norms
- Mandatory background checks for staff
- Periodic welfare audits
- Transparency in fees and donations
📢 Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Elder Care System
The shocking state of Anand Niketan Vridha Ashram is not an isolated case but reflects a systemic failure in India’s elderly care sector. As the population of senior citizens continues to rise, experts warn of an urgent need for policy reforms, social responsibility, and stringent monitoring mechanisms to protect the dignity and safety of the elderly.
Disclaimer: This article may have been partially or fully generated with the help of AI tools. While we strive for accuracy and clarity, please verify critical information from official sources.
