The tragic death of a 15-year-old student by electrocution from an illegal wild boar trap at Vazhikkadavu near Nilambur in Kerala has snowballed into a political controversy, with the Opposition United Democratic Front using it against the state government. Nilambur Assembly bye-poll is scheduled to be held on June 19.
Ananthu alias Jithu, a Class 10 student, was electrocuted on Saturday evening (June 7) while he was fishing near a stream with his relatives. The trap had live electric current, allegedly stolen from an overhead Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) line, flowing through it. Two other boys, Shanu and Yadhu, who were with him at the time, sustained injuries but survived.
The main accused in the case, Vineesh, a native of Vazhikkadavu, has been arrested. Initial reports suggest that the electric trap was set up to hunt wild boars for meat. Kunjumuhammed, who was with Vineesh at the time, has also been taken into custody.
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The investigation has been handed over to the District Crime Branch. The probe will be led by DySP C Alavi.
The incident triggered widespread protests, particularly from the UDF, who accused the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) of negligence and complicity. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, who rushed to the Government Taluk Hospital in Nilambur where the victims were brought, termed the incident a “government-sponsored murder.”
“This is not just an accident. People are laying electric traps with the silent approval of the KSEB. The government cannot wash its hands of this responsibility,” Shoukath alleged. Responding to the controversy, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) issued a detailed statement clarifying that the fatal accident occurred due to an illegal electric trap set up by private individuals. “The tragic incident in Vazhikkadavu, Nilambur, which led to three children being electrocuted and one death, was caused by unauthorised tapping of power from a KSEB single-phase line. Wires—some without insulation—were extended using makeshift tools. The fishing boys came into contact with these wires,” the statement read.
KSEB emphasized that it regularly conducts awareness campaigns against such illegal practices. According to regulations, only electric fencing approved by the Electrical Inspectorate for crop protection is permitted.
Unauthorised use of electricity for fencing constitutes a violation under Section 135 (1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, and is punishable with up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both. “Blaming KSEB for the law-breaking actions of private individuals is completely baseless and condemnable,” the KSEB stated. They have also shared a video in their social media handles showing how people steal electricity for this purpose.
Reacting to Shoukath’s accusations, LDF candidate M Swaraj expressed disappointment over the politicisation of a tragic event. “It is painful that a death is being used for political gains,” Swaraj said.
Following the boy’s death, Congress workers staged a road blockade outside the hospital, leading to clashes with police who later arrested and removed the protestors.
CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan hit back, suggesting a conspiracy behind the timing and narrative of the incident. “There’s a planned propaganda behind this. An enquiry should look into every aspect, including phone records. One of the accused in the case is a local Congress leader,” he alleged while speaking at a press briefing on Sunday.
Forest Minister AK Saseendran echoed similar concerns, questioning the motive behind the UDF’s allegations. “The fact that they called it a government-sponsored murder immediately after it happened raises suspicion. This was an act by a private individual. How is the Forest Department or government to blame? They didn’t even express sorrow — their first reaction was to attack the government,” he said.