The death of Anil Adhikari, an 83-year-old Mumbai resident reportedly suffering from dementia, has triggered demands for an independent inquiry into shelter home procedures and missing person coordination systems in Maharashtra. Family members alleged that despite a missing complaint registered at Bangur Nagar Police Station, Adhikari was allegedly sent to the Apna Ghar Shelter Home without proper verification. The matter has drawn attention after his daughter, Shefali Adhikari, reportedly learned of his death days later, prompting questions regarding notification procedures, institutional protocols, and accountability.
Anil Adhikari Death Case: Questions Raised Over Shelter Home Procedures and Missing Person Response
Family seeks answers after 83-year-old Anil Adhikari reportedly died at a Vasai shelter home days after being reported missing; calls grow for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Anil Adhikari death case has raised serious questions about the handling of missing senior citizens, shelter home procedures, and communication between law enforcement agencies. Family members and public representatives have called for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the 83-year-old Mumbai resident.
According to information provided by the family, Anil Adhikari was suffering from dementia and had difficulty communicating following cancer-related surgery. On May 10, he reportedly left his residence, after which a missing person complaint was registered at Bangur Nagar Police Station in Mumbai.
Family members allege that on May 13, Anil Adhikari was found in the Goregaon West area. However, they claim that officials allegedly failed to verify whether a missing person complaint had already been registered elsewhere before sending him to the Apna Ghar shelter home in Vasai.
The case came to wider attention when Adhikari’s daughter, Shefali Adhikari, who resides in Canada, travelled to Mumbai to search for her father. During her efforts, she was reportedly informed that Anil Adhikari had died at the shelter home on May 16.
Timeline Raises Questions About Death Reporting Procedures
According to information conveyed to the family, Anil Adhikari’s last rites were allegedly conducted on the same evening as his reported death. The family has questioned whether all mandatory procedures were followed before the cremation took place.
One of the central concerns raised by relatives is the allegation that the death was neither promptly communicated to the family nor accompanied by a post-mortem examination. These claims have not yet been independently verified through official investigation findings.
The family has also questioned whether the shelter home and relevant authorities complied with protocols applicable to unidentified or vulnerable senior citizens who are admitted to institutional care facilities.
Relatives contend that several opportunities may have existed to reconnect Anil Adhikari with his family after he was located. They have sought clarification regarding the communication mechanisms between police stations, shelter homes, and missing persons databases.
The matter has attracted public attention after calls for accountability were made by political and social representatives. According to statements shared with Sprouts News, concerns have been raised regarding both the handling of the missing person complaint and the shelter home’s procedures following the reported death.
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Demands for Inquiry Into Apna Ghar Shelter Home Procedures
Family members have called for a comprehensive inquiry into the functioning of the Apna Ghar shelter home in Vasai. They are seeking answers regarding admission procedures, medical care, family notification requirements, and actions taken following the reported death.
The family further alleges that an official associated with the matter informed them that the actions taken were part of the institution’s protocol. These claims require verification through an official inquiry and responses from the concerned authorities.
Senior investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi stated that the matter had been brought to the attention of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date, given that the shelter home is located within the Vasai jurisdiction.
Congress leader Sachin Sawant, National Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, has also reportedly sought a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case and accountability if any lapses are established.
Previous Child Welfare Controversy in Vasai
Separately, a major child welfare controversy emerged in Vasai in 2014 involving the orphanage-cum-adoption centre Shejar Chhaya. During a joint operation by the Department of Women and Child Development and the Child Welfare Committee, 42 children were rescued from the institution.
Investigators at the time alleged irregularities involving adoption procedures, including claims that dozens of children were admitted without the knowledge of the Child Welfare Committee. Authorities also alleged that a disproportionately high number of children had been placed for intercountry adoption. Shelter founder Father Francis Gonsalves denied wrongdoing and disputed the allegations.
What Happens Next
The Anil Adhikari case now underscores broader concerns regarding the protection of vulnerable senior citizens, coordination between police stations, and transparency in shelter home operations. The outcome of any official inquiry could have significant implications for missing persons protocols and institutional accountability across Maharashtra.
Readers’ Appeal
Unmesh Gujarathi, Senior Investigative Journalist, and the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team are examining this matter. If you have information, documents, photographs, or firsthand knowledge regarding this case or the functioning of the concerned NGO, you may contact the team at 9322755098. Confidentiality of credible sources will be respected in accordance with journalistic standards.
Editorial Note:
This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.
