Class 10 student electrocuted by illegal fence in Kerala, protests erupt

The tragedy occurred on Saturday night, just weeks before the Nilambur by-election scheduled for June 19. The deceased, Ananthu alias Jithu (15), a resident of Vazhikadavu near Nilambur, had gone with three friends to a stream after a football game when he came into contact with the electrified fence.

The fence, reportedly installed by a private landowner to deter wild boars, was illegally connected to the power supply.

According to eyewitnesses, all four boys were electrocuted, but one managed to escape and alert nearby residents. Locals rushed to the scene, disconnected the power, and took the injured to the hospital. Jithu was declared dead on arrival, while two others—Yadhu Krishnan and Sachu—were injured, with Sachu in critical condition.

Protests and political reactions

The incident sparked widespread protests by opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) activists, who blocked roads and clashed briefly with police. Protesters also obstructed a police vehicle and demanded justice.

The demonstration later moved to the local police station, where agitators called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and action against the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

“This is not an isolated incident. There are illegal electric traps all over the area. People had raised complaints earlier, but no serious action was taken,” said local residents.

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath blamed the state government and KSEB for negligence. “The KSEB has shown shocking indifference to public safety and tacitly allowed such deadly traps. If stringent action is not taken, we will intensify our protests,” he warned.

LDF candidate and CPI(M) leader M. Swaraj described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and demanded a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.

Official response

The police have registered a case and launched an inquiry into the source of the electric connection and the person responsible for installing the trap. The district administration assured stringent action against those found guilty.