In a very shocking incident, a 12-year-old boy in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district died by suicide. The incident occurred on Thursday evening. The boy took the drastic step after allegedly being publicly humiliated and accused of stealing a packet of chips.

The victim, Krishnendu Das is a Class 7 student. He also left behind a heartbreaking note to his mother, impulsively denying the theft.

What happened?

According to reports, Krishnendu had gone to Gosaiber Bazar to buy chips. He reportedly entered a shop and called “Uncle, I will buy chips,” repeatedly for the shopkeeper but received no response. The shopkeeper is identified as Subhankar Dikshit. Krishnendu, believing no one was present in the shop, allegedly took a packet of chips lying near the entrance. Krishnendu never intended to steal it; he was intending to pay for it later.

However, the situation took a drastic turn as moments later, the shopkeeper returned. Seeing Krishnendu taking the packet of chips he chased him, and reportedly slapped him. Not just that, the shopkeeper forced him to perform sit-ups in front of the public.

Mother Scolds, Boy Denies Theft

Soon Krishnendu’s mother was summoned to the shop. The mother also scolded and slapped him on scene. The boy reportedly tried to explain that he had found the packet lying outside the store. Krishnendu tried explaining that he intended to pay for it immediately. He even offered to do so and apologised repeatedly. However, the shopkeeper allegedly continued to accuse him of lying and theft.

Visibly distressed, Krishnendu locked himself in his room upon reaching home. His mother and neighbors later found him unconscious, frothing from the mouth. A half-empty pesticide bottle was also found beside him. He was immediately rushed to Tamluk Hospital and admitted to the ICU, but tragically died shortly after.

Suicide note found

Police investigating the incident found a suicide note written in Bengali by the boy. In the poignant message, Krishnendu wrote, “Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle (shopkeeper) was not around as I waited. While returning, I spotted a kurkure packet lying on the road and picked it up. I love Kurkure.” The note further read, “These are my final words before leaving. Please excuse me for this act (consuming pesticide).”

Shopkeeper Goes Missing

The shopkeeper, Subhankar Dikshit, who also serves as a civic volunteer for the local police, initially denied any physical assault. However, he has not been seen since news of the incident spread. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.