On June 26, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission, along with Noida police and the Social Welfare Department, raided an old-age home in Noida’s Sector 55 after a disturbing video surfaced online. The inspection revealed shocking conditions: 39 elderly residents were found in appalling living situations, some locked in basement-like rooms, others with urine-stained clothes, and one woman with her hands tied. The facility, Anand Niketan Vridha Sewa Ashram, was sealed, and investigations are ongoing. This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about elder care oversight in Uttar Pradesh. Here’s a look at the raid, its findings, and the latest updates on this troubling case.
The Shocking Raid in Sector 55
The Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission, led by member Meenakshi Bharala, acted swiftly after a viral video showed an elderly woman tied up in the old-age home. The joint team found 39 seniors—men and women—living in deplorable conditions. Many lacked proper clothing, and some were confined in dark, cramped rooms resembling basements. The facility, meant to be a safe haven, was charging families ₹2.5 lakh as a donation and ₹6,000 monthly for care that was clearly neglected. The ashram has been sealed, and legal action against its management is underway, with authorities probing financial records and staff qualifications.
What the Team Found
The inspection uncovered heart-wrenching scenes: elderly men without clothes, women in tattered garments, and rooms reeking of neglect. One woman was found tied with a cloth, unable to move freely. The so-called “nurse” admitted to having only a 12th-grade education, highlighting the lack of trained staff. The findings shocked officials and the public alike.
Response and Public Outrage
The raid has ignited widespread anger, with X posts calling the situation “inhumane” and demanding stricter regulations for old-age homes. Meenakshi Bharala described the conditions as “unacceptable,” vowing to hold the management accountable. The Social Welfare Department is now reviewing similar facilities across Uttar Pradesh to prevent such neglect. Families of the rescued seniors are being contacted, and the elderly are being moved to safer accommodations. The incident has highlighted the need for better oversight of private care homes, especially as India’s elderly population grows.
Steps Toward Accountability
The ashram’s management faces charges under laws protecting senior citizens. Authorities are investigating how the facility operated without proper oversight, including its financial dealings. The Women Commission is pushing for statewide inspections to ensure no other homes are neglecting residents.
Live Updates on the Investigation
As of June 27, 2025, the 39 rescued seniors are receiving medical care and temporary shelter. The Noida police are questioning the ashram’s staff, focusing on the untrained “nurse” and financial transactions. The Social Welfare Department has launched a helpline for families to report elder care concerns. Meenakshi Bharala announced plans for unannounced inspections of other homes in Uttar Pradesh, signaling a crackdown on substandard facilities. Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation unfolds.
What’s Next for Elder Care
The Uttar Pradesh government should draft stricter guidelines for old-age homes, including mandatory licensing and regular audits. The Women’s Commission is advocating for trained staff and CCTV monitoring in all facilities. This case may push for national reforms to protect India’s aging population.
