A 13-year-old boy, Krishnendu Das, allegedly died by suicide in Panskura, East Midnapore, West Bengal, after being publicly accused of allegedly stealing chips from a local shop owned by Subhankar Dikshit, who is also a civic volunteer. The boy was allegedly forced to apologise in front of onlookers and later scolded by his mother.
Despite leaving a note denying the theft, Krishnendu allegedly ingested pesticide at home. The shopkeeper has since gone missing, villagers have protested, and police have registered a case of unnatural death, with an investigation underway.
Public Shaming and a Child’s Final Plea
Krishnendu, a Class 7 student at Bakulda High School, allegedly picked up packets of chips that had been blown out of the shop by the wind, intending to return them. However, the shopkeeper, Dikshit, allegedly accused him of theft, chased him down, and allegedly slapped him before forcing him to do sit-ups as punishment in front of a crowd.
The boy allegedly offered to pay for the chips, but the humiliation continued when his mother was called and allegedly scolded him publicly. After returning home, Krishnendu allegedly locked himself in his room and consumed pesticide. His suicide note stated: “Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle was not around as I waited. While returning, I spotted a Kurkure packet lying on the road and picked it up. I love Kurkure.”
Community Outrage and Police Action
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with villagers allegedly ransacking Dikshit’s home and clashing with police, leading to four arrests. Dikshit, who is also a civic volunteer with the Bengal Police, has allegedly gone into hiding since the incident.
Police have confirmed that a case of unnatural death has been registered and that Krishnendu’s body was released to his family after a post-mortem examination, which confirmed poisoning as the cause of death.
Although no formal complaint was initially filed, authorities have stated that a full investigation will be launched if a complaint is lodged. CCTV footage from the shop has been reviewed as part of the inquiry.
A Pattern of Public Humiliation?
This tragedy has reignited debate over the dangers of public shaming, particularly of children, in India. Child rights activists and psychologists have repeatedly warned that such humiliation can have severe psychological effects, sometimes leading to self-harm or suicide.
The incident also raises questions about the conduct of civic volunteers and the need for proper training in dealing with minors. Local leaders and NGOs have called for stricter guidelines and awareness campaigns to prevent similar incidents. The case has become a flashpoint for discussions on child protection, dignity, and the responsibilities of adults in positions of authority.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Krishnendu’s untimely death is a painful reminder of the immense harm that public humiliation and lack of empathy can inflict on young minds. The Logical Indian stands firmly for compassion, dialogue, and the protection of children’s dignity.
We urge communities, schools, and authorities to reflect deeply on how we treat our youth, especially in moments of conflict or misunderstanding. Every child deserves to be heard, respected, and guided with kindness. As a society, how can we move from punitive approaches to those rooted in empathy and support?
