Maa, I didn't steal chips: Bengal boy's suicide note after being scolded publicly
A 12-year-old boy in West Bengal allegedly died by suicide and left a note behind after being publicly humiliated over accusations of stealing a packet of chips. In the note that he wrote to his mother, he claimed that he didn't steal the chips.The incident took place in Paschim Medinipur district on Thursday evening, police said.The boy, identified as Krishnendu Das, a class 7 student, reportedly entered a shop looking to buy chips. According to his family, he called out repeatedly for the shopkeeper, identified as Subhankar Dikshit, but received no response.advertisement
He said, "Uncle, I will buy chips," repeatedly without any response. Believing no one was present, he allegedly took a packet lying near the entrance, intending to pay later.Moments later, the shopkeeper returned, chased Krishnendu down, slapped him and forced him to do sit-ups in public, as per the family's police complaint.The boy's mother was summoned to the scene and also scolded him. Krishnendu reportedly tried to explain that he intended to pay for the snack but was accused of lying. He even offered to pay immediately, apologising for lifting the packet without the consent of Dikshit, but the shop owner accused him of lying.When he returned home, the boy locked himself in his room. His mother and neighbours later found him unconscious, frothing from the mouth with a half-empty pesticide bottle lying on his side.advertisementA note left behind read, "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)."Krishnendu was immediately rushed to a hospital and admitted to an ICU, but he died shortly after.The shopkeeper, who also serves as a civic volunteer for the local police, initially denied any assault. Following the boy's death, he went missing.Police added that an investigation is underway.
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Indian Express
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