A 13-year-old girl in Hyderabad died last week after fasting for 68 days as per Jain rituals during the holy period of 'Chaumasa'.
The death, which occurred four days ago, came into the public domain after an NGO, 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.
Hundreds of people reportedly attended the funeral of the girl and hailed her as 'bal tapasvi'. The funeral procession was called a 'shobha yatra' - a mark of celebration.
Balala Hakkula Sangam alleged that the girl was forced to fast, resulting in her death.
Aradhana's father, Laxmichand Sansadiya, had recently suffered huge loss in his jewellery business.
A Chennai-based priest had reportedly advised the girl's parents to ask their daughter to observe the 'Chaturmas' fast in order to recover from the loss in business and earn huge profits.
Laxmichand has denied the charge that her was due to materialistic reasons.
The family claimed she had successfully completed a similar 41-day fast in the past.
NGO President Achyut Rao wrote a letter to Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy, demanding that a case be registered against those responsible.
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.
(With agency input)
