23-05-2025
'Maa, I Am Not Thief': 12-Year-Old Dies By Suicide After Being Scolded For Stealing Chips
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When the boy explained that he had picked up the packet and intended to pay for it later, his mother also slapped and scolded him.
A 12-year-old boy allegedly died by consuming pesticide after he was accused of stealing a packet of chips by a shopkeeper, who also made the boy do sit-ups.
The incident took place at Panskura in Paschim Medinipur district, Kolkata, on Thursday, reported PTI, citing police.
Krishendu Das, who was a class 7 student, had repeatedly called out to the shopkeeper, saying, 'Uncle, I will buy chips," but received no response. Believing there was no issue, he picked up a packet of chips and walked out of the shop.
The shopkeeper, however, allegedly chased him down, forced him to return, slapped him, and made him do sit-ups as punishment, all in full public view, according to the complaint cited by police.
The boy even said he would pay immediately and apologised for lifting the packet without permission, but the shopkeeper accused him of lying.
According to officials, when the boy explained that he had picked up the packet and intended to pay for it later, his mother also slapped and scolded him.
When Krishnendu returned home, he went into his room and closed it from the inside.
When he did not open the door, his mother, along with neighbours broke open the door and found him frothing from the mouth with a half-empty pesticide bottle lying on his side, said the official.
A suicide note was also recovered from the spot.
'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," said the note. These are my final words before leaving. Please excuse me for his act (consuming pesticide)."
The boy was rushed to Tamluk Hospital and admitted to ICU, but he died later.
Meanwhile, the shop owner, who initially denied assaulting the boy, was reported absconding after the incident came to light.
First Published:
May 23, 2025, 13:18 IST
