Severe cold wave in the city has claimed lives of five persons at Asha Kiran Shelter Home in outer Delhi’s Rohini in the last teo weeks, sources said.

Asha Kiran is the Capital’s lone home for mentally challenged children and adults. According to sources, the victims have been identified as Rajni, 12, Anju, 18, Brijesh, 18, Gangu Ram, 44, and Bharat, 44.

“The inmates suffer the climate-and-weather change during winters and fall sick. They are admitted to hospital, but some die during treatment. It is yet to be confirmed if the five victims had any chronic medical ailment,” the source said.

Anju died on December 27, followed by another death on January 5 when Rajni succumbed after she was admitted to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital.

On Monday, Brijesh died after he was found unconscious, while Gangu died on Tuesday and Bharat on Wednesday.

Around 24 people had died in 2010, following which a committee was made by the Delhi government to probe into the matter.

It was learnt that the shelter home is overcrowded with 972 inmates against capacity of 350 inmates.