13-year-old girl dies after fasting for 68 days in Hyderabad

A 13-year-old girl of a Secunderabad family died after observing a fast for 68 days, prompting an NGO working for child rights to demand registration of a criminal case against those responsible for the unfortunate happening.

The death, which occurred four days ago, came into the public domain after the organisation, Balala Hakkula Sangam, complained to the police.

Aradhana, a Class 8 student, took ill two days after completing her fast on October 2 and was admitted to a hospital where she died on October 4, family sources said.

The girl was on fast as per Jain rituals during the holy period of 'Chaumasa' in the belief that it will bring profits to her father's jewellery business.

Hundreds of people reportedly attended the funeral of the girl and hailed her as 'bal tapasvi'.

Balala Hakkula Sangam alleged that the girl was forced to fast, resulting in her death.

NGO President Achyut Rao wrote a letter to Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy, demanding that a case be registered against those responsible.

The family claimed she had successfully completed a similar 41-day fast in the past.

Child rights activists are demanding action against a state minister and a Member of Parliament who attended an event to mark the completion of her fast on October 2.

--IANS

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