Boy’s electrocution ignites political fire in Nilambur bypoll

Tragedy struck at Vazhikkadavu, near Nilambur, on Saturday (June 7, 2025) evening when a 15-year-old boy was electrocuted by an illegal electric trap meant for wild boars. Two others were injured, sparking widespread protests and heated political exchanges amid the ongoing Nilambur Assembly byelection campaign.

Ananthu alias Jithu, a Class X student of Christ King Higher Secondary School, Manimooly, was electrocuted when he accidentally hit a power cable illegally siphoned from an overhead power line next to a canal where he went fishing along with four other friends. Shanu Vijay and Yadu Krishnan were also electrocuted but rescued by the local residents.

The tragedy triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), the two key contenders of the Nilambur byelection.

Targeting the State government, UDF activists staged a roadblock near Government Taluk Hospital, Nilambur, on Saturday night. The protestors blocked several vehicles, including that of CPI(M) Politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan. The police had to use force to remove the UDF protestors.

KSEB blamed

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath and Congress leader Jyothikumar Chamakkala slammed the government and termed the tragedy a government-sponsored murder. Mr. Shoukath alleged that Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) was complicit in the illegal use of stolen power for poaching. “The government cannot escape accountability for this tragedy,” he said.

LDF candidate M. Swaraj hit back at the UDF, accusing it of politicising the tragedy. He condemned the roadblock staged by UDF workers near the hospital as inhuman. “Blocking a road to a hospital is nothing but inhuman. It could have led to more grievous tragedies,” said Mr. Swaraj.

Apart from Mr. Swaraj and Mr. Shoukath, Independent candidate P.V. Anvar and BJP candidate Mohan George also visited Ananthu’s family.

The police arrested a local man named Vineesh and his friend Kunhimohammed in connection with the tragedy. The police said Vineesh had set the trap alone for wild boars.

Local residents said Vineesh had a history of crimes, including poaching. They said he was one of the leading members of a racket involved in poaching wild animals and selling their meat.

Hundreds of students, teachers and local residents mourned Ananthu’s untimely passing as they bid an emotional farewell when his body was brought to Manimooly school on Sunday afternoon. His teachers fondly remembered him as a vivacious student who never let his family’s financial struggles define him.

His body was later buried at a public cemetery near his house.

Published - June 08, 2025 06:18 pm IST