53 inmates sent back to hospice in Paleswaram

A total of 53 residents have been sent back to the St. Joseph’s Hospice in Paleswaram, Kancheepuram district, so far. Most of those who have returned are mentally ill and destitute, say official sources from the Department of Social Welfare.

“We have not visited all the homes. But most of them have refused to return and want to stay back at homes they are currently residing,” said an official.

The inmates returned after the Madras High Court directed the Kancheepuram police to hand over custody of former residents of the hospice to them. The court also appointed an Advocate Commissioner to interact with the inmates residing in various homes, and send back those willing to return and allow those who not willing to stay in care homes and submit a detailed report.

The hospice was in the eye of the storm after the body of a resident was transported in a van along with two other residents and groceries, and one of them attracted the attention of locals. The district authorities later found that the hospice authorities had not renewed the registration and licence, and its 300-odd inmates were removed from the home and sent to 17 care homes in Kancheepuram.

However, despite the Madras High Court’s direction, many former inmates refused to return to the hospice.

Officials said several residents have also requested the authorities to take strict action against the hospice’s caretakers who ill-treated them. “We will be visiting more homes to file the final report,” the official said.