Indian girl dies after 68-day fasting ritual

A 13-year-old girl in India has died after fasting for more than two months as part of a religious ritual. The incident has sparked a wave of strong protests in the country.

A children's rights group has asked Indian police to arrest the parents of a 13-year-old girl after they forced her to fast for 68 days as part of a religious custom.

The girl, named Aradhana Samdhariya, died on October 3, a day after her family held a procession to celebrate the breaking of their fast in the Indian city of Hyderabad. Aradhana was riding in a chariot with her parents.

In the complaint, the Balala Hakkula Sangham organization claimed that Aradhana's parents forced her to participate in the harsh religious ritual for the second consecutive year.

Aradhana Samdhariya with his parents in a procession ending a 68-day fast. Photo: Express.

The tragedy of the 13-year-old girl has quickly become the focus of public opinion in India in recent days. The question has been raised about whether adherence to or tolerance of the country's religious traditions leads to harm for the most vulnerable in society.

Her relatives were concerned about Aradhana’s ability to fast for 68 days. Police said they had objected to the fast but she wanted to continue.

Reuters quoted Achyuta Rao, honorary president of the human rights group, as saying the rape was planned and a brutal murder. They demanded the police arrest the girl’s parents as well as the priest who performed the ritual.

Hyderabad police summoned Aradhana's father and grandfather for questioning on October 8, initiating an investigation into the case.

Aradhana's family members have publicly denied forcing her to fast during the Jain community's holy festival of Chaumasa in July.

"We are not hiding anything. Everyone knows Aradhana fasted. They come and take pictures with her. Now some people are pointing fingers at us for making her fast for 68 days," Manekchand Samdhariya, the girl's grandfather, told NDTV.

Jainism is an ancient religion whose central tenets are non-violence and love for all living beings. Its followers make up about 0.4% of the population and are required to follow a strict diet.

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