Tied up, locked in basements, many without clothes: 42 elderly rescued from 'illegal' Noida old-age home; were living in 'deplorable' conditions

NEW DELHI: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh rescued 42 elderly residents from an unlicensed old-age home in Noida after a police raid uncovered disturbing conditions, including women tied up and others locked in rooms resembling basements. The raid was carried out on Thursday at the Anand Niketan Vridha Seva Ashram in Sector 55, Noida, by local police in the presence of members from the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission and the State Welfare Department. Meenakshi Bharala, a member of the women’s commission who was present during the operation, described the conditions as “deplorable” and confirmed that the ashram was being run illegally.

"During the raid, an elderly woman was found tied up, while several others were locked in basement-like rooms," Bharala said.

"Some elderly men were without clothes, and many women were found in half-clad condition." Officials said the facility housed 42 elderly individuals without any government authorisation or oversight. The State Welfare Department has now taken charge of relocating the rescued residents. “Three of the elderly will be shifted to a government-run old-age home on Friday,” Bharala added. “The rest will be moved to government-approved facilities within the next five days.” She said the ashram would be sealed with support from the local administration. An investigation is now underway to determine who was operating the facility and whether criminal charges will be filed.