In Panskura town, West Bengal, a 12 Year-old boy named Krishnendu Das lost his life—not due to illness or accident, but because of deep pain and public humiliation that his young heart couldn’t bear.
Krishnendu, a Class 7 student, went to a shop at Gosaiber Bazar one evening to buy a packet of chips. When he didn’t find the shopkeeper, he politely called out, “Uncle, I will buy chips,” but received no reply. Thinking no one was there, he picked up one packet, planning to pay later.
But moments later, Subhankar Dikshit, the shopkeeper and also a civic volunteer with the Bengal Police, returned. Without listening to the boy, he slapped Krishnendu and forced him to do sit-ups in public. People watched as the child was punished like a criminal.
The worst part—Krishnendu’s own mother was called to the spot, and instead of understanding him, she also slapped him in front of others. The shame, the shock, and the helplessness was too much for the little boy who knew in his heart that he hadn’t done anything wrong.
He returned home, locked himself inside his room, and never came out alive. Hours later, he was found unconscious with foam at his mouth and a nearly empty bottle of pesticide. He was taken to the hospital, but it was too late.
By his side was a note, written in Bengali.
“Maa, I am not a thief. I did not steal. Uncle was not around as I waited. While returning, I saw a Kurkure packet on the road and picked it up. I love Kurkure. These are my final words. Please excuse me for this act (consuming pesticide).”
These are not just the last words of a child. They are a reflection of how easily we judge, how quickly we punish, and how rarely we try to understand.The shopkeeper, who had the authority of a civic volunteer, used that power to humiliate instead of protect. After the news broke, he shut his shop and disappeared.Krishnendu did not steal. He did not lie. He was just a child—hungry, honest, and innocent.
And now he’s gone.
Let this not be just another headline. Let this be a reminder that children deserve kindness, not cruelty. Understanding, not punishment. And before accusing anyone, especially a child, we must remember the weight our words and actions carry.