No Murder Charge Against Parents In Jain Girl’s Death: Police

Hyderabad: Murder charge cannot be pressed against the parents of 13-year-old Aradhana Samdariya, who died after fasting for 68-days, the Lokayukta was informed by the Hyderabad police on Monday.

In a report submitted to Lokayukta, North Zone DCP B Sumati said, "Neither there is an intention nor willful act on part of the parents of the child and community members. The act of the child is nothing but a ritual in their community fasting done during Choumas period called Tapasya."

The DCP further said that the alleged facts will not attract the provisions of murder punishable under section 302 of the IPC.

Meanwhile, the Lokayukta directed the police to finish the inquiry by November 29 and submit a detailed report.

The DCP further said that the alleged facts will not attract the provisions of murder punishable under section 302 of the IPC

On the other hand, a suo motu cognizance was taken by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Aradhana's death case and directed Hyderabad police commissioner M Mahendar Reddy to submit a report within 10 days.

The deceased was a class 8 student of St Francis School, Secunderabad and her death caused outrage and triggered a debate across the country about such rituals.