‘Body shaming’: Labelled as ‘transgender’ by friends, Class X boy ends life in Bareilly

BAREILLY: A 16-year-old boy, a student of class X, was found hanging in his house in Subhash Nagar area of Bareilly district on Monday night, leaving behind a note which read, “I’m depressed as a few people call me ‘kinnar’ (transgender) because of my look,” said police.
“The news of actor Sushant Singh committing suicide served as an immediate trigger, driving the traumatic mind to rest in peace forever,” said the victim’s younger brother.“A day before ending his life, my brother had said when an actor like Sushant Singh could commit suicide, then he too could do it too,” he said.
The victim’s mother had died four years ago and the father — who runs a mobile store in Uttarakhand’s Champawat — has been living with the children in Bareilly since the lockdown was imposed.
The boy — second among two brothers and one sister — committed suicide when his father had gone to the market while his younger brother, 13, a student of class VIII, was studying in another room. His elder sister is married locally.
Police recovered the suicide note lying on his bed, which was addressed to his father. “Papa, I’m sorry as I couldn’t be a good son. I can’t earn like you. I have girl-like features and even my face is like them. People laugh at me. Even I have started feeling as if I am a 'kinnar' (transgender). My life will darken your life and that is the reason why my death is necessary. Please bless me that I take birth as a girl. If a girl is born in our family, then you must believe that I have returned.”
The victim’s father told TOI, “My son was very close to his younger brother and would take good care of him. He used to cook food in my absence. He was fond of cooking. He was very shy and would apply makeup and dance like a woman. He used to say that he wanted to exhibit his singing and dancing talents. My son was normal, but a few people, including my relatives, misunderstood him and used to pass absurd comments at him and would make fun of him.”
Additional superintendent of police (city) Ravindra Kumar said, “The autopsy report has confirmed that the boy committed suicide. We have also recovered a suicide note. The family doesn’t want legal action against anyone.”
Subhash Nagar SHO Harishchandra Joshi said that the body was handed over to the family after autopsy. “As the family has not sought action against anyone, an FIR has not been registered. If the family approaches us with a complaint, we will take appropriate action under the law,” added the SHO.
Psychologist Shailesh Sharma said, “Society doesn’t accept people with such behaviour and people often criticise them. Often, there are no opportunities for them to grow in our society. They are unsure about their identity and often get depressed as they don’t see a respectful life. We need to understand that they are born with such nature and accept and respect them the way they are.”