In a shocking revelation that has triggered public outrage, authorities in Noida raided an illegal old age home on Thursday, uncovering horrifying conditions that elderly residents were forced to endure. The surprise inspection exposed severe neglect, inhuman treatment, and a complete lack of basic care at the Anand Niketan Vriddh Seva Ashram, located in Sector 55.
During the raid—carried out by the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission in collaboration with the State Welfare Department—officials found 42 senior citizens living in appalling conditions. One elderly woman was discovered tied up with cloth and locked in a room. Several male residents had been confined to dark, dungeon-like basements with barely any light or ventilation.
Many of the elderly were found without proper clothing; some men were completely unclothed, while numerous women were left half-dressed, living in filth and emotional distress. Investigators described scenes where residents wore garments soiled with urine and faeces, left to fend for themselves with no professional medical or personal care.
A woman who introduced herself as a nurse was present at the facility but was later found to have no medical qualifications beyond a 12th-grade education.
Even more disturbingly, despite the appalling conditions, the ashram was reportedly charging hefty sums—demanding a ₹2.5 lakh “donation” for admission, along with ₹6,000 per month for food and lodging.
When authorities attempted to contact the families of the residents, several downplayed the situation, claiming they believed their loved ones were being cared for properly. However, the findings painted a grim and very different reality.
Statement From Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission
“This old age home was completely illegal,” said Meenakshi Bharala, a member of the Women’s Commission who was present during the raid. “The elderly were not just neglected—they were being subjected to mental and physical abuse.”
Over inspection of an old age home in Noida, Meenakshi Bharala, member of Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission, says, "Yesterday, I visited an old age home in Sector 55, Noida. The condition of the senior citizens there was deplorable. A woman inmate at the old age home seemed drugged and could not speak. We also saw one elderly person being kept locked inside a room. The condition of the inmates was deplorable. The old age home administration never conducted medical checks for the inmates. The old age home will be sealed as they have no documentation to run. An FIR will be registered in this case. The inmates will be shifted to government-run old age homes."
Bharala confirmed that the process of sealing the facility has begun, with support from local administrative officials. Three residents were relocated on Friday to a government-approved care facility, and the remaining individuals are expected to be shifted over the next few days to homes officially recognized and run by the social welfare department.
Authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken against those responsible for the operation of the ashram. Legal proceedings are underway, and the Women’s Commission, along with the district administration, is pursuing criminal charges against the ashram’s management.