Maa, I Didn’t Steal Chips

At the heart of a tragic incident in Kolkata lies a deeply troubling encounter between a 12-year-old boy and a shopkeeper, which culminated in a devastating outcome. The story unfolds in the Panskura area of Paschim Medinipur district, where a young student, Krishendu Das, faced accusations of theft after allegedly taking a packet of chips from a local shop.

According to official statements, Krishendu, a seventh-grade student, had left the shop without the shopkeeper’s consent, prompting a confrontation. The shopkeeper, Subhankar Dikshit, reportedly chased Krishendu, slapped him, and ordered him to perform sit-ups in front of others. The emotional toll of this public humiliation is believed to have contributed to the tragic end of the boy’s life.

His mother, who was present at the scene, was also involved in the emotional turmoil, scolding her son and slapping him. Krishendu, in a moment of desperation, returned home, locked himself in his room, and eventually took his own life. His mother and neighbors had to break the door to find him, and he was found with a half-empty pesticide bottle and a note written in Bengali.

The note, which reads: ‘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,’ is a poignant reflection of the boy’s innocence and the injustice he faced.

It is believed that Krishendu had intended to pay for the chips later, but the shopkeeper’s accusations and the public humiliation left him feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the impact of social pressure, the importance of empathy, and the need for a more compassionate approach in handling such situations.

While the shopkeeper initially denied any physical altercation with the child, he later could not be located as a crowd gathered before his shop. The emotional weight of the incident has left the community in shock, with many expressing concern over the lack of understanding and the potential for similar tragedies in the future.

The tragic death of Krishendu Das serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of public humiliation and the need for a more supportive and understanding environment for children. The incident has also raised questions about the broader societal attitudes towards children and the importance of fostering a culture of empathy and compassion.