HYDERABAD: Stating that an Investigation Officer (IO) of Market police station is investigating the case of the 13-year-old Aradhana’s death after she finished observing a 68-day-long fast, the North Zone police said that the allegations made by Balala Hakkula Sangham would not attract the provisions of the murder section case against her parents.
The police on Monday filed a counter petition before the Lokayukta stating that the police have registered cases and are investigating the case by collecting evidences. The police also pleaded that the Lokayukta the dismiss the petition filed by Balala Hakkula Sangham keeping in mind the progress of investigation. The police requested the Lokayukta to give one month’s time to complete the investigation. Following police request, the Lokayukta directed the police to finish investigation in one month and submit a report by November 29.
In the petition, Balala Hakkula Sangham president Anuradha Rao pleaded to the Lokayukta that Aradhana died after she was forced to observe the 68-long-day fast as part of Jain community rituals. The Sangham president also requested to alter Section 302 (murder) on her parents, Lakshmichand and Manisha.
The police replied that they have registered cases under Section 304 part II and JJ Act against the parents and others.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Yashwanth Jain on Monday directed the Hyderabad police commissioner M Mahendar Reddy to investigate the case of Aradhana’s death and take necessary action. The commission also directed the police to submit a report within 10 days.
In the letter, the commission said that they took notice of the matter of Aradhana’s death suo-motu based on the reports published in the newspapers. The commission directed the police officials that a factual report along with authenticated copies of the relevant documents, be sent to the commission within 10 days of issue of the letter.
Balala Hakkula Sangham president Anuradha Rao demanded arrest of the parents and sought to create awareness.