Agartala, September 04, 2025: A heartbreaking incident has shaken Tripura’s village of Kuchainala in Surma assembly constituency under Dhalai district, where a 16-year-old student allegedly took his own life after being accused of stealing ₹20.

The victim Roni Das, a Class 10 student at Kamalpur Higher Secondary School was known for his academic excellence. On Monday morning, Roni had taken ₹20 from his father Jewel Das to buy items from a local shop owned by Dhan Singh. However, the shopkeeper reportedly accused Roni of stealing the same amount from the cash box and forcibly took him to his residence behind the store. Eyewitnesses, including a local carpenter claim Roni may have been physically assaulted and humiliated before being released.

Later that day, when Roni could not be found, his father who was working on a construction site near the main road found him writhing in pain inside an unfinished house. Roni had consumed pesticide. He was rushed to BSM Hospital, Kamalpur and subsequently referred to Dhalai District Hospital, and then to Agartala due to his deteriorating condition. Tragically, he succumbed to the poisoning that same night.

Before his death, Roni reportedly told his elder sister to “take care of mom and dad” and left a note on his study table stating: “I did not steal. They are lying.”

The incident has left the family devastated. Jewel Das, a pump operator by profession was hospitalized after falling ill from the shock of losing his only son. Roni’s mother and grandfather were also seen inconsolable.

On Wednesday, villagers gathered to condemn the incident and demanded justice. Jewel Das has filed a formal complaint at Kamalpur Police Station, while residents submitted a written appeal seeking a thorough investigation and accountability.

The death of a promising young boy over a mere ₹20 has sparked widespread grief and anger, with many questioning the societal pressures and unchecked humiliation that led to such a tragic end.