A 12-year-old boy in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district died by suicide on Thursday evening after being falsely accused of ‘stealing’ a packet of chips and humiliated by a shopkeeper in the Gosainber area of Panskura.
The victim, identified as Krishendu Das, was a Class 7 student at a local school.
According to initial reports, Krishendu consumed pesticide following the incident.
No official complaint was filed by the family, but police took suo moto action, registering a case of unnatural death and launching an investigation.
Shuvankar Dikshit, a sweet shop owner and local civic volunteer, claimed that three packets of chips were blown out of his shop by the wind. Krishendu, who was nearby, picked them up. Dikshit accused the boy of theft, scolded him, forced him to apologize by doing sit-ups while holding his ears, and made him pay ₹15 for the snacks.
Police said that after learning of the incident, the boy’s mother also reprimanded and slapped him.
According to her statement, Krishendu had tried to explain to the shopkeeper, repeatedly saying, “Uncle, I will buy the chips,” but received no response. Eventually, he took one packet and left.
Following the humiliation, Krishendu allegedly consumed pesticide and was rushed to Tamluk Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU but died shortly after.
His family said he left behind a note stating, “Ma, I did not steal,” and explaining that he had found the Kurkure packet on the road.
The purported suicide note read: “Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle was not there when I waited. On my way back, I saw a Kurkure packet on the road and picked it up. I love Kurkure.”
“These are my final words before leaving. Please forgive me for what I have done (consuming pesticide).”
Dikshit reportedly fled the area after the incident.
Authorities have sent the boy’s body for postmortem and are continuing their investigation.
