Madhya Pradesh: 13-Year-Old Takes His Life; Family Blames Caste Insult and Assault
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A 13-year-old boy from Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh ended his life, with his family attributing the tragedy to caste-based insults and abuse from a grocery shopkeeper. Police investigations present a different viewpoint, suggesting academic failure and peer pressure may be involved.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic suicide of a 13-year-old boy in Madhya Pradesh.
- Family blames caste-based abuse from a local vendor.
- Police suggest alternative factors like academic pressure.
- Demands for a second post-mortem by the family persist.
- Authorities promise thorough investigation post-autopsy.
Bhopal, March 23 (NationPress) In a deeply troubling incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, a 13-year-old boy tragically ended his life. His family alleges that caste-based insults and mistreatment from a local grocery vendor led to this heartbreaking event.
The incident took place in Bedi village under the Luvkushnagar police station's jurisdiction. The victim, an 8th-grade student, reportedly felt extreme humiliation following an alleged confrontation.
However, preliminary police investigations suggest a different narrative. Authorities indicate that the boy had recently failed his class and, on Saturday evening, visited the grocery store where he allegedly tried to shoplift items. The shopkeeper scolded him, which may have worsened his emotional turmoil.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Naveen Dubey informed IANS via phone that the incident may not be related to caste discrimination. He suggested that peer pressure or the reprimand from the shopkeeper could have influenced the boy's actions.
The father of the boy submitted a formal complaint (a copy of which is with IANS), claiming that his son had gone to the shop for some purchases but faced verbal and physical abuse, was locked inside the store, and assaulted with kicks, punches, and shoes. When the father returned home from his fields, he found his son locked in a room. With the assistance of his younger son, they managed to open the door, only to find the boy had hanged himself. His body was sent for a post-mortem at Luvkushnagar Hospital that same evening.
On Sunday morning, the grieving family, accompanied by members of the Bhim Army, brought the body to the district hospital, demanding a second post-mortem and insisting it be recorded on video. Bhim Army's Chhatarpur leader, Santosh Kumar Bileri, informed IANS that they sought a comprehensive investigation, alleging that authorities were hesitant to take the matter seriously.
Police officials confirmed that a magistrate’s report regarding grievous (MRG, also known as Marg) had been filed in the case. The investigating officer from Luvkushnagar assured the family that the investigation would move forward after the post-mortem report is received, and appropriate measures would be taken.
