A joint raid by the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, Noida Police, and the welfare department rescued 42 elderly residents, some found tied, unclothed, and held in "basement-like" rooms at the illegal Anand Niketan Vridha Seva Ashram in Sector 55, Noida, on Thursday.

Commission member Meenakshi Bharala called the living conditions “deplorable,” with one woman discovered tied up and several men totally unclothed. Many elderly women were half-dressed and their clothes reportedly stained with urine and feces.

Authorities received a viral video showing the horrors, which prompted the raid. Most residents were locked in dark, prison-like rooms without trained staff, medical care, or proper clothing . They noted the facility charged hefty donations - ₹2.5 lakh entry and ₹6,000 monthly fees - but lacked official registration.

The ashram is set to be sealed. Three rescued individuals have already moved to a government facility, with the rest scheduled for transfer within days. An FIR has been filed, and district administrators promised strict action against those responsible