A 12-year-old boy named Krishnendu Das died after allegedly drinking pesticide. The incident happened in Panskura town in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. The boy was accused of stealing a packet of chips from a shop and was punished publicly by the shopkeeper.

Krishnendu, a Class 7 student, went to buy a packet of chips from a shop at Gosaiber Bazar on Thursday evening. When he could not find the shopkeeper Subhankar Dikshit, he called out, "Uncle, I will buy chips," but got no response. Thinking no one was there, he picked up one packet and left.

Soon after, the shopkeeper returned, chased the boy, slapped him, and forced him to do sit-ups in public. According to a police officer, the boy’s mother was also called to the spot. She too scolded and slapped him. Krishnendu told them he had picked up the chips from a heap near the shop and was planning to pay later. He even offered to pay right away and said sorry. But the shopkeeper accused him of lying.

He left a note saying, “I am not a thief”

Feeling insulted, Krishnendu went home and locked himself inside his room. When he did not open the door for a long time, his mother and neighbours broke in. They found him unconscious with foam at his mouth and a half-empty bottle of pesticide beside him. He was taken to Tamluk Hospital and admitted to the ICU but died soon after.

A note written by Krishnendu in Bengali was found near him. It said, "Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle (shopkeeper) was not around as I waited. While returning, I spotted a Kurkure packet lying on the road and picked it up. I love Kurkure." He also wrote, "These are my final words before

ore leaving. Please excuse me for this act (consuming pesticide).”

The shopkeeper, who is also a civic volunteer with Bengal Police, at first denied assaulting the boy. But after the news spread, he shut his shop and disappeared. Police have started an investigation.

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