12-Year-Old’s Suicide : False Theft Allegation in West Bengal Sparks Outrage

12-year-old’s suicide
Kolkata, West Bengal – May 2025 — In a deeply distressing incident, a 12-year-old boy in West Bengal died by suicide after being wrongfully accused of stealing a packet of chips, triggering a wave of shock, sorrow, and outrage across the region. The tragedy has reignited national conversations on child mental health, bullying, and the consequences of public humiliation.

The incident, now being widely referred to as the 12-year-old’s suicide, occurred in Anandapur, a locality in the Paschim Medinipur district. The boy, a Class 6 student, reportedly consumed poison at his home hours after being accused by a local shopkeeper of stealing chips worth ₹10.

Final Note: A Cry for Innocence

A handwritten suicide note left behind by the child has devastated both his family and the wider community. In it, he wrote to his mother: “Maa, I didn’t steal the chips. Please believe me. I couldn’t bear everyone calling me a thief.”

The emotional note, which has since gone viral, has become the centerpiece of this tragic case and has brought attention to the fragile emotional state of children subjected to public shame and wrongful accusations. 12-Year-Old’s Suicide

What Led to the Tragedy

According to eyewitnesses and local reports, the boy was allegedly confronted by a shopkeeper after visiting a neighborhood store. Accused of theft without proper evidence, he was reportedly scolded in front of other customers. On returning home, his mother — unaware of the full context — scolded him as well. Unable to handle the humiliation and heartbreak, he took his own life later that evening.

The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Local authorities have confirmed that the cause of death was ingestion of poison.

Police and Legal Response

Authorities have launched an investigation into the 12-year-old’s suicide, focusing on the actions of the shopkeeper and the events that preceded the tragedy. “We are examining all angles, including abetment to suicide. The suicide note is crucial evidence,” said a senior officer from Paschim Medinipur Police.

The shopkeeper may face legal action if found guilty of psychological harassment or provoking the child, though no formal arrest has been made yet.

Community Reaction and Social Media Outcry

The shocking incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and anger on social media. The hashtag #JusticeFor12YearOld has gained significant traction, with thousands calling for swift justice and better mental health support for children in India.

“This incident is a heartbreaking reminder of how even a small act of humiliation can shatter a young mind. Children are emotionally vulnerable. We must do better,” tweeted a child rights activist.

Local residents gathered at the boy’s school and home to offer condolences, holding candlelight vigils and demanding accountability for those involved.

Experts Speak: The Dangers of Public Shaming

Child psychologists have warned that incidents like the 12-year-old’s suicide are becoming alarmingly frequent. “Children are extremely sensitive to reputation, especially when it involves parental disappointment or social shame. We need schools and communities to train adults in empathy and child-safe communication,” said Dr. Anjali Bose, a Kolkata-based child mental health expert.

She added that many such deaths go unreported or are mislabeled, masking the growing crisis of childhood depression and anxiety in India.

A Call for Reform

In response to the incident, the West Bengal Child Rights Commission has urged the state government to initiate a comprehensive review of how children are treated in public settings. Recommendations include mandatory awareness training for shopkeepers, teachers, and community workers on child rights and mental health.

Anandapur authorities are also considering installing CCTV cameras in local businesses to provide objective records in similar disputes.

Conclusion

The 12-year-old’s suicide has become a national symbol of the dangers of unchecked adult behavior, the emotional vulnerability of children, and the need for systemic reforms. As the family mourns their unimaginable loss, the community and country are left to reflect on the critical question: how many more young lives must be lost before we take child mental health and compassion seriously?