Dehradun Shelter Home Tragedy: Inmate Found Hanging, Sparks Probe and Security Concerns
A 35-year-old inmate at the government-run women's shelter home in the Kedarpuram area of Dehradun was discovered hanging from a staircase railing on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through the community and raising serious questions about the facility's safety protocols. The woman, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had been residing at the shelter for approximately six months after police found her in Haldwani with mental health issues, according to officials from the women empowerment and child development department.
Commission Demands Action and Investigation
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (UKSCW) chairperson Kusum Kandwal has strongly criticized the district administration for lapses in safety and security. Kandwal has directed a thorough probe into the matter and issued directives to enhance protective measures at the shelter home. Officials have been instructed to increase the number of CCTV cameras, bolster night shift staffing, and ensure proper mental health support for inmates diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.
Background of the Inmate and Shelter Home's Troubled History
District officials revealed that the deceased woman was undergoing treatment at Coronation Hospital and had been referred to the Mental Health Institute for further care. Preliminary reports suggest she may have been distressed over plans to reunite her with her family, though an official enquiry is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances. This incident adds to a long and troubled record at the shelter home, which has faced repeated scrutiny over the years.
In a previous case, an inmate died from malnutrition at the facility, highlighting systemic failures in care. Moreover, in 2015, a hearing and speech impaired inmate was raped by staff members, forced to undergo an abortion, and the foetus was buried on the premises. This horrific incident led to the conviction of nine individuals, including the then-superintendent, with jail sentences ranging from two to seven years.
Community Response and Ongoing Enquiry
On Saturday, Sujata Paul and other members of the Doon-based Jan Prahar Samiti met with district probation officer Meena Bisht to demand answers regarding the inmate's death. Bisht confirmed on Sunday that an enquiry is actively underway to investigate the incident and address the broader issues of security and adequate care for mentally ill women, who constitute a significant portion of the shelter's population. The community and authorities are now calling for urgent reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
