Boy commits suicide on learning parents HIV+

A few days back, Santosh’s parents, who sell vegetables in Gulabnagar, had brought him Class X textbooks and a new uniform.

Santosh, the second of four siblings, was in high spirits having passed Class IX, and wanted to study further, his grief-stricken mother said.

His parents said he came to know that they were HIV positive and was worried about the future. In his dying declaration to Amraiwadi police too, Santosh said he was worried about his future and that of his siblings once his parents’ die and thus had taken the extreme step.

His father said, ‘‘He was happy after he passed his exams a few days ago. He showed no sign of aloofness or embarrassment. Maybe he had come to know that we were HIV positive.’’

Head Constable Balwantsinh, who is investigating the case said Santosh had the desire to study further.

‘‘He was a jolly, energetic boy of our locality. Although he didn’t seem disturbed or worried that day, he must have feared being ostracised by the society due to his parents’ disease. Embarrassment and shame must have led him to commit suicide,’’ said Ramashankar Prajapati, a neighbour.

His mother Urmila said, ‘‘We never let our children know of our disease. We did our best to keep it secret, yet this happened. He must have read the diagnosis report. On Monday, he had asked me to buy Class X textbooks.’’

His teachers who saw him on Monday last said they had seen no change in his behaviour or mood then.