NCPCR Investigates Child Deaths at Indore’s Shri Yugpurush Dham Baudhik Vikas Kendra

A team from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) visited Shri Yugpurush Dham Baudhik Vikas Kendra in Indore after six children died and around 100 fell ill due to suspected food poisoning. The team will submit a report to the Prime Minister’s Office and Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi.

Findings from the Visit

NCPCR member Divya Gupta stated, “Today, I visited Shri Yugpurush Dham Baudhik Vikas Kendra on behalf of NCPCR which is called a fact-finding visit. We have to submit a complete report of the incident to the Prime Minister’s Office and Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi.”

Gupta noted that the ashram’s conditions had improved since their arrival, but previously, there were germs in the food and drinking water, and the entire ashram was in disarray. Currently, about 100 children are hospitalized, with five in the ICU. So far, six deaths have been reported.

Issues Identified

Gupta highlighted that district officials should have regularly inspected the ashram. Bacteria were found in the water, and cholera was detected in stool tests. The ashram, run by Anita Sharma for 21 years, was overcrowded with 200 children instead of its 60-child capacity.

Next Steps

Gupta mentioned that a report would be prepared within 15 days, recommending actions to the central and state governments. Indore Collector added that a high-level committee, including IAS officers and private doctors, was formed to investigate. An interim probe revealed flaws in child care and an unreported death on June 29. A show cause notice was issued to the institution, seeking a reply within three days.