A tragic incident unfolded in Gosainbar, Panskura, West Medinipur district, West Bengal, where a 12-year-old boy reportedly took his own life after being accused of stealing a packet of chips.
Incident Details
- The boy was publicly shamed after a shopkeeper accused him of stealing chips from his store.
- The shopkeeper allegedly punished him by making him hold his ears and apologize in front of others.
- Following this humiliation, the boy consumed pesticide on Thursday evening, leading to his death at a local hospital.
Police Investigation
- The boy studied at a local school, and no formal complaint was lodged after his death.
- Police have registered a case as an unnatural death and are conducting further investigations.
- Shopkeeper Shuvankar Dikshit claimed that three packets of chips had blown away due to the wind, and the boy picked them up.
- The shopkeeper confronted the boy, verbally reprimanded him, and demanded ₹15 as compensation.
- The boy’s mother also scolded him and reportedly slapped him, which may have led to his distress.
Community Reaction & Concern
- The incident has sparked discussions on the psychological impact of public humiliation on children.
- Authorities are urging families and communities to support children during distressing situations.
This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and the serious consequences of emotional distress on young minds. 🕊️
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