A heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the East Medinipur district, where a 13-year-old boy, Krishnendu Das, died by suicide after being publicly humiliated over a theft accusation involving three packets of chips.
Krishnendu, a 7th-grade student at Bakulda School, reportedly took the chips from a local sweet shop when the owner was away. Upon his return, the shop owner confronted the boy, who then paid for the items. However, according to the family, the owner refused to accept the payment as a resolution.
Instead, the shopkeeper allegedly dragged Krishnendu back to the shop, physically assaulted him, and forced him to apologize in front of a crowd. Humiliated and distressed, the boy returned home and informed his mother, who subsequently confronted the shop owner in an argument.
Later that day, Krishnendu attempted suicide at his home. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. A suicide note found in his possession read, “Amma, I didn’t steal the chips.”
The incident has sparked anger and grief in the community, with Krishnendu’s parents demanding justice. “Our child paid for what he took. He was just a child, and he was beaten and shamed publicly. That trauma killed him,” said his father.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter. Human rights groups and child protection activists are calling for strict action against the shop owner, who is yet to be taken into custody at the time of reporting.
The tragic case has reignited conversations around child rights, mental health, and the responsibilities of adults in dealing with minors accused of petty offenses.
