13-yr-old girl dies after fasting for 68 days

ALSO READ: South African pastor dies after 30 days fasting; wanted to beat Jesus Christ's record

The deceased, Aradhana, was admitted into the hospital two days after the end of the fast.

Family sources revealed that the class 8 student, died of cardiac arrest last week.

Aradhana's funeral saw at least 600 people in attendance, where she was hailed as a 'bal tapasvi' while funeral procession was referred to as a 'shobha yatra', which means a mark of celebration.

Aradhana's family who runs a jewellery business with a shop in the Pot Bazaar area of Secunderabad, are being faced with questions as to why the teenager was allowed to give up school over a fast.

A member of the community, Lata Jain said:

''It has been a practice for people to undertake severe penance when they give up even food and water. They are glorified, lauded and honoured at community meetings by the religious elders. They are also showered with gifts. But in this case it was a minor and that is my objection."

She added, ''This is suicide if not murder.''

According to sources close to the family, Aradhana had survived a similar fast which last for 41 days.

Aradhana's grandfather, Manekchand Samdhariya said, "We did not hide anything. Everyone knew Aradhana was fasting. They came and took selfies with her. Now some people are pointing fingers at us for allowing her to fast for 68 days."

Jain religious leaders have revealed that Santhara is usually meant for the elderly who have lived their lives and want to give up a life style of habit.

''There should never be any element of force or coercion in tapasya or fasting. This was a tragedy and we must learn our lessons from it,''Maharasa Ravinder Muniji of Kachiguda Sthanak told NDTV.

Meanwhile, child's rights activist, Shanta Sinha, insists that a police report on the case must be issued and the child rights commission involved.

''A minor is not deemed to have a voluntary will to take decisions that can endanger their life. Religious leaders also need to re-look at what should be allowed and what is not," she said.

ALSO READ: Man dies moments after embarking on 40 days dry fasting

City police have since launched investigations into the incident ater a child's right NGO demanded a probe.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Zone), B Sumathi, has said that a case would be filed following preliminary inquiry into the incident but an entry has already been made in the general dairy.