The family of a 13-year-old girl from India's minority Jain community, who died after observing a religious fast for 68 days, has been accused of causing her death.
Aradhana Samdariya died from cardiac arrest on October 4, two days after her family took out her out in a chariot procession in Hyderabad city to celebrate the end of her fast.
The tragedy hit the headlines in the domestic media at the weekend, with children's rights groups calling for the family's arrest, alleging they forced the girl to participate in the ritual which involves surviving only on water.
Area police chief M Mattaiah said the police had booked a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against Aradhana's parents and family.
They were also charged with violating the juvenile justice act, which pertains to the protection of children.
"The girl was fasting during the holy period of Choumaas that is considered auspicious and a remedy for problems by the Jains. The probe involves ritualistic traditions as well as legal aspects," he told DPA.
"We have to investigate whether there was any coercion by the family. No arrests have been made yet," Mattaiah said.
The lodging of the police complaint is the initial step in a probe, which precedes formal charges in court. The accused could face a maximum of 10 years in jail if found guilty.
