“Maa, I Am Not a Thief”: Bengal Boy Dies After Being Accused of Stealing Chips

A 12-year-old boy from Bengal’s Panskura area of Paschim Medinipur district died on Thursday evening after allegedly consuming pesticide, following public humiliation over a suspected theft of a packet of chips.

The child, identified as Krishnendu Das, a Class 7 student at a local school, reportedly picked up a packet of chips from outside a sweet shop in Gosaiber Bazar. According to reports, he had called out multiple times to the shopkeeper, saying, “Uncle, I want to buy chips,” but received no response.

When the shopkeeper, Shuvankar Dikshit, returned to the shop, he allegedly confronted the boy. Witnesses and the boy’s family allege that he slapped Krishnendu, accused him of theft, and forced him to do sit-ups in public as punishment.

“Dikshit scolded the boy, made him hold his ears and squat in front of onlookers, and forced him to apologise. He also made the child pay ₹15 for the packet of chips,” said the police.

Shortly after the incident, Krishnendu’s mother was called to the spot. She also scolded and slapped her son. Krishnendu reportedly tried to explain that he had picked up a packet of chips lying on the ground near the shop and had every intention of paying for it.

“He told his mother that he only picked up the snack packet after not finding anyone at the shop and planned to return with payment,” the officer added. “He even apologised and offered to pay immediately, but the shopkeeper continued to accuse him of lying.”

After returning home, the boy locked himself in his room and did not respond to calls. Concerned, his mother and neighbours eventually broke open the door and found him unresponsive, with a half-empty bottle of pesticide beside him. He was immediately rushed to Tamluk Hospital and admitted to the ICU, but he died shortly after.

A handwritten note, allegedly penned by Krishnendu, was found beside him. Written in Bengali, the note read, “Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle wasn’t there when I waited. On my way back, I found 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’ve done.”

Although no formal complaint was initially lodged by the family, the police have taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and registered a case of unnatural death.

“We have initiated an investigation and sent the body for post-mortem examination,” said a senior police officer. “The shopkeeper, who is also a civic volunteer, fled the area after news of the incident spread. Locals gathered outside his shop, which remains shut.”​