Hyderabad: Family of Jain girl who died after fasting won’t face murder charge

A child rights NGO had accused the 13-year-old girl’s parents of forcing her to fast for 68 days.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police said that no one will be facing charges of murder in the death of the Jain girl who died after fasting for 68 days earlier this month as her death was not a result of a ‘wilful act’

Class XIII student, Aradhana was fasting as part of Chaturmas, considered holy by Jains. A child rights NGO Balala Hakkula Sangham wanted the police to file a case of murder under section 302 of IPC as they alleged that the girl was forced into fasting by her family and community members.

The police was asked to submit a report in the case after a complaint was filed the NGO. The Balala Hakkula Sangham had written to the Hyderabad police commissioner that Aradhana was forced to fast by her family and Jain elders.

The NGO has also alleged that the jewellery business of Aradhana’s father Lakshmichand Samd-ariya was not doing well because of which, after suggestion by a Jain guru, he forced his daughter to fast to bring luck. Anuradha Rao of the NGO said, “It is the duty of society to condemn such practises.”

However, Aradhana's grandfather denied the allegations. “Aradhana showed an interest in becoming a nun. She was interested to fast for 68 days because there are 68 letters in the Navkar Maha-mantra. We did not force her to fast,” he said. Aradhana’s BP and glucose levels were not monitored during her fast. She was consuming only water.

Upadaya Ravindra Muni, Jain religious leader, said, "It was an accident, as her body was fine. She wilfully attempted to complete the penance."

(This story first appeared in Deccan Chronicle)