PATNA: Food poisoning due to unhygienic conditions was the main reason behind the deaths of three girl inmates of a govt-run shelter home ‘Aasra Grih' located in Patel Nagar under Shastri Nagar police station area of the state capital, a preliminary investigation conducted by a five-member team, formed on the direction of district administration, has revealed. A total of 42 inmates, all mentally challenged or destitute girls, live at the shelter home.
The deceased have been identified as Mohini Kumari (24), Geeta Kumari (9) and Mansi Kumari (12).
According to police, the two girls died — on November 7 and on November 10, while the third one died on Wednesday around 6pm. The incident had taken place on November 7, when the health of an inmate deteriorated after consuming ‘khichdi' in dinner at the shelter home. Between November 7 and 11, total 13 inmates were admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) after they complained of vomiting and diarrhea. However, three inmates were discharged after recovery while eight were undergoing treatment at PMCH, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Following the two deaths till November 10, a five-member team headed by the additional district magistrate (Special Programs), Ravindra Kumar Diwaker, was formed on the instruction of Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh on Sunday, to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
The DM told this newspaper on Wednesday that the preliminary investigation revealed that food poisoning due to unhygienic conditions was the main reason behind the deaths of two inmates, and others getting ill leading to their hospitalization. "During the inspection of the shelter home, the team found that the inmates were living in unhygienic conditions while proper hygiene was not maintained in the preparation of food as well," Singh said.
He added: "Samples of the food served on November 6, water, and the food items stored in the kitchen, have been collected by the food inspector and the PHED officials."
Singh further said, "As per the information, the inmate who died on November 7, and the others had eaten khichdi in dinner on November 6, following which the health of 13 deteriorated. Another died on November 10 during the treatment."
"During the inspection, it was seen that they dirtied their beds and drank water in the toilets when the caretaker is not around. There is a need to increase the number of caretakers, as each inmate requires individual care. A medical team has also been deputed to Aasra Griha. Doctors and nurses have been stationed round-the-clock with ambulances and other resources," the DM said.
Sachiwalaya's sub-divisional police officer II, Saket Kumar, said the police received the information of the death of an inmate of the shelter home on November 8. "The team formed by the DM is investigating the case and they will soon submit their reports. Appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty," he said.
Aasra Griha is funded by the Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Patna, and is operated under the supervision of the district disability empowerment cell, Patna. Its purpose is to provide accommodation and healthcare to mentally challenged and destitute women. The shelter employs a total of 19 staff, including a superintendent, one counsellor, two house mothers, and one ANM.
The DM has directed the assistant director, district disability empowerment cell, Patna, to ensure cleanliness and proper care of the residents at the shelter.