A tragic incident has emerged from Kanpur, where a 12-year-old girl was found hanging at her residence in the Gujaini area under Govind Nagar police station limits on Saturday. The girl, identified as Divyanshi Mishra, allegedly took her own life after being repeatedly taunted as a “thief” by a tenant and his family for stealing jewellery and a makeup box.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, Divyanshi’s body was discovered hanging from a noose made of a saree, supported by a ceiling fan. Upon receiving information, police and a forensic team arrived at the scene, conducted an investigation, collected evidence, and sent the body for postmortem examination.
Divyanshi was the daughter of farmer Sandeep Mishra, a resident of Kathongar village in Sen Paschim Para. She had been living in Gujaini with her mother for the past year.
Sequence of Events
As per the girl’s mother, Madhuri, Divyanshi had taken jewellery and a makeup box from a tenant’s house while playing and brought them home. On Saturday morning, the tenant confronted the girl and complained about the theft. When Madhuri scolded Divyanshi, the girl claimed she had taken the items only while playing.
Following this, the tenant and his family members allegedly began continuously taunting the girl, calling her a “thief.” This constant harassment left Divyanshi mentally disturbed and withdrawn. Madhuri stated that she tried to counsel her daughter before leaving for work, but upon returning in the evening, she found the door open and Divyanshi hanging inside the room.
Police Response
The incident caused panic in the locality. Inspector Ashok Kumar Dubey of Govind Nagar police station said, “The matter is being investigated. Further action will be taken based on the complaint from the family members and the postmortem report.”
Authorities are awaiting the postmortem results to determine the exact cause of death. No formal complaint has been filed yet by the family, but police are ready to act once they receive one.
Broader Context
This case highlights the severe impact of verbal abuse and taunting on young minds. Children are particularly vulnerable to such harassment, which can lead to extreme steps like suicide. Mental health experts emphasize the need for parents and communities to be vigilant about the emotional well-being of children and to address bullying promptly.
The police have urged the public to refrain from making assumptions until the investigation is complete. They have also advised parents to monitor their children’s behavior and seek professional help if they notice signs of distress.
As the investigation proceeds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and calls for justice. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked harassment and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for children.
