Mouli Mareedu By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Notwithstanding the widespread criticism of parents of 13-year-old Aradhana, who died after fasting for 68 days, the Twin Cities Jains’ Association on Monday gave them a clean chit. The community elders also issued an advisory to the members of the faith to provide medical aid to women or girls, who observe such a long fast.

Against this backdrop, the Hyderabad city police have decided to take legal opinion, before proceeding further against Aradhana’s parents.

Earlier in the day, the Twin Cities Jains’ Association members held a meeting at Shree Jain Sevak Sangh Hall at Edenbagh in Ramkoti and discussed the issue.

The meeting was organised exactly a day after the police registered a case of culpable homicide against Aradhana’s parents. Association president Ashok Jain told Express that they support the family members of Aradhana. “It was an unfortunate incident. The girl is no more. Aradhana was attracted towards religious practices and she sat on a long fast as per her wish. How can we find fault with her parents?” Ashok asked.

Mangilal Bhandari, Chairman of Fight for Right, who attended the meeting, said some NGOs were deliberately casting aspersions on the community. “We will take the issue seriously and fight to protect our culture and traditions,” he said. Further, Jain said every woman follows such rituals in their community.

The association will also meet the community Guru Pujye Upadhay Prav Shri Ravindra Muniji Maras at Kachiguda and discuss the issue, he added. “The Guru is likely to interact with the media on Tuesday in Hyderabad to explain the benefits of fasting, which are being criticised in Hyderabad, as the people of the State are unaware of this religious practices,” sources said.

Aradhana breathed her last a few days ago after observing a 68-day fast as part of her community rituals. The girl was rushed to a corporate hospital where she was declared brought dead. She died due to cardiac arrest.