A shocking case of severe neglect and abuse has surfaced in Noida’s Sector 55, where 42 elderly residents were rescued from Anand Niketan Vridha Ashram, an unregistered old-age home operating illegally since 1994.
The rescue operation, led by the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, Social Welfare Department, and Noida Police, was triggered by a viral video that showed an elderly woman tied up and left unattended. The video quickly spread across social media, prompting authorities to conduct a surprise inspection on June 26, 2025.
Appalling Conditions and Human Rights Violations
Upon entering the ashram, officials discovered a deeply distressing scene. Many elderly residents were found locked in dark, basement-like rooms, some tied to their beds or confined in isolation. Several were half-clad or without any clothing, and many wore urine and faeces-stained clothes. The rooms were filthy, with beds soiled and a strong stench pervading the premises. Residents appeared malnourished, weak, and visibly traumatised, with some reportedly suffering from infections due to the lack of basic hygiene and medical care.
Meenakshi Bharala, a member of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, described the situation as “worse than hell.” She added, “It is unimaginable that our elders, who deserve dignity and respect, were left to suffer in such inhumane conditions. The ashram had no trained staff, and the so-called caretakers were unqualified, with some only having completed 12th standard.”
Illegal Operations and Financial Exploitation
Investigations revealed that Anand Niketan Vridha Ashram had been operating without any government registration or oversight for over three decades. Despite this, the management charged families a hefty ‘donation’ of ₹2.5 lakh and a monthly fee for food and accommodation. However, the funds were not used to provide even the most basic care, and the ashram failed to meet any standards of safety or dignity.
Officials confirmed that complaints had been raised against the ashram in the past, but no concrete action was taken until the viral video forced authorities to act. The premises have now been sealed, and the management faces criminal charges, including illegal confinement and criminal neglect.
Authorities Respond and Residents Relocated
Following the raid, all 42 elderly residents were medically examined and provided with immediate care. Three have already been relocated to government-run shelters, with the remaining residents to be moved in the coming days. The Social Welfare Department has promised to ensure regular monitoring of old-age homes in the district and to tighten regulations to prevent similar incidents.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian strongly condemns the gross neglect and abuse suffered by the elderly at Anand Niketan Vridha Ashram. This case is a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust regulation, transparency, and compassion in elderly care.
Our elders deserve dignity, safety, and respect—not abandonment or abuse. As a society, we must hold institutions accountable and support systemic reforms to protect our most vulnerable.
