West Bengal: 12-Year-Old Dies By Suicide After Being Accused Of Stealing Kurkure
West Bengal: A 12-year-old boy from Panskura in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district died by suicide after being publicly humiliated by a shopkeeper who accused him of stealing a packet of chips, according to a PTI report on Friday.
The boy, identified as Krishendu Das, a Class 7 student, allegedly picked up a packet of Kurkure from a local shop at Gosaiber Bazar on Thursday evening. His family claims that he called out to the shopkeeper, Subhankar Dikshit, several times to pay for the snack but received no response. Assuming the shopkeeper was absent, Krishendu walked away with the packet, reportedly intending to pay later.
Soon after, the shopekeeper returned, chased Krishendu down, slapped him, and forced him to do sit-ups in front of others as punishment, the complaint filed by the boy’s family stated. The boy’s mother was called to the scene, where she scolded and slapped him as well. Despite Krishendu’s repeated apologies and offers to pay, the shopkeeper allegedly accused him of lying and stealing.
Humiliated and distressed, Krishendu returned home, locked himself in his room, and refused to come out. His mother and neighbours eventually broke down the door, only to find him unconscious. He was rushed to Tamluk Hospital and admitted to the ICU, but doctors were unable to save him.
A note, believed to be written by Krishendu in Bengali, was recovered from the room. In the note, he 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.”
He ended the note with, “These are my final words before leaving. Please excuse me for this act.”
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Police have launched an investigation into the incident. No arrests have been made as of now, but authorities say statements are being recorded and further legal steps will follow.
(This news story may contain content related to suicide and suicidal behaviour. Such topics can be sensitive and may trigger emotional responses. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviours, we urge you to seek help immediately. Contact your local mental health crisis hotline, a mental health professional, or a trusted person in your life.
You may call 14416 or 1-8008914416 for the Tele MANAS service, which is available 24×7 or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ helpline – 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
