A shocking incident has come to light in Noida, where authorities rescued 42 elderly individuals from a private old-age home, Anand Niketan Ashram, operating illegally in Sector 55. The rescue operation, conducted on Thursday, June 26, 2025, by a joint team comprising the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission, Noida Police, the Social Welfare Department, and the District Probation Office, revealed appalling conditions of neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
The catalyst for the raid was a viral video depicting a frail, elderly woman locked in a room with her hands tied. This disturbing visual prompted immediate action from authorities in Lucknow, leading to the formation of a discreet team that raided the premises without prior notice. What they discovered was a scene described by one official as "worse than hell."
The elderly residents were found confined to rooms, some resembling dark basements with poor ventilation and lighting. Many were without proper clothing, with some men completely naked and women barely dressed. Disturbingly, several were found lying in urine and feces-stained clothes. A member of the State Women's Commission described the scene as "nothing short of a prison," highlighting the unbearable stench and the overall inhumane environment.
Adding to the outrage, the facility, which presented itself as a care home, allegedly extorted large sums of money from the families of the residents. Reports indicate that the ashram charged an initial donation of ₹2.5 lakh per person, along with a monthly fee of ₹6,000 for food and accommodation. Despite these hefty charges, the care provided was woefully inadequate. Further investigation revealed that the individual identifying herself as a "nurse" at the facility had only completed Class 12 and possessed no formal medical training, raising serious questions about the legitimacy and safety of the operation.
Meenakshi Bharala, a member of the UP State Women's Commission, stated that the old age home was completely illegal. Despite the grim conditions, some families, when contacted, downplayed the situation, claiming that everything was normal.
Following the rescue, authorities have initiated the process of sealing the ashram and have registered a criminal case against its operators. The rescued elderly individuals are being relocated to government-run shelters, where they will receive proper care and medical attention. Three individuals were immediately shifted to an old-age home run by the Social Welfare Department, with the remaining residents expected to be moved to other government-approved facilities within the next five days.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter regulation and inspection of private elderly care institutions. Many activists and citizens have taken to social media, demanding justice and accountability for the gross violation of human dignity witnessed at the Anand Niketan Ashram.
This shocking case underscores the importance of regular monitoring and stringent oversight of private care facilities to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of elderly residents. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and support for elderly care, as well as the importance of families staying informed and involved in the care of their loved ones residing in such facilities.
