Illegal electric fences claim 61 lives in 4 years; father-son duo latest victims

KOCHI: Year after year, the state sees a rising toll from illegal electric fencing, the latest victims being a fatherson duo, Kochunni (58) and Akhil (35), in Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram.Kochunni and Akhil were found electrocuted in a water canal inside a tapioca farm near the Kilimanoor block panchayat office on Tuesday morning. Preliminary investigations revealed that two parallel metal wires were drawn illegally across the farm and connected to an external power source to prevent wild boar intrusion.According to data from the Electrical Inspectorate, 61 people were electrocuted in the state from illegal electrical fencing over the past four years.

The toll has risen steadily — from seven deaths in 2021–22 to 14 the following year, 16 in 202324 and 24 in 2024-25 — underscoring the growing danger posed by unauthorised electrified fences.KSEB officials said power was either tapped directly from the board’s lines or diverted from domestic connections to such fences. They are erected around house compounds and farmlands to protect crops from wild animals and, in some cases, to trap and hunt them, particularly wild boars.

‘Organised lobbies supply wild boar meat to hotels’

Officials said boundary fences often turned into lethal traps for both humans and animals.It may be noted that the state govt had permitted culling of wild boars by licensed shooters following widespread crop damage by them. The forest department had initially carried out the exercise and now, local bodies have been entrusted with addressing the issue.Officials said illegal electrical fencing amounted to power theft and it was often difficult to detect.

There are instances of erecting such fences to trap wild boars and supply the meat to hotels. “Though erecting illegal electrical fencing is a punishable offence, it attracts only a fine and not imprisonment. This does not act as an effective deterrent, and that is why such incidents continue to occur. Instead of illegal fencing, people can opt for approved solar fencing systems, where only intermittent pulses of electricity are released rather than continuous voltage.

This ensures protection of crops while safeguarding humans and animals,” a district officer with the Electrical Inspectorate said.The officer said there were organised lobbies involved in supplying wild boar meat to hotels, and they installed illegal fencing at night to trap the animals. “When any untoward incident occurs and we visit the spot, local people often claim ignorance — either because they are unaware of the installation or afraid of those involved.

To curb such incidents, there is a need for better monitoring mechanisms. Smart meters can help detect unusual power diversion.

Even during routine bi-monthly meter readings, irregular consumption patterns can indicate illegal fencing,” he said.A senior KSEB official said offenders drew power either from the board’s network or from solar setups, often routed through inverters to supply continuous voltage to the fencing. “They often remove the wires immediately after a fatal incident, destroying evidence and weakening prosecution. Police must collect maximum technical and forensic evidence to secure a conviction. In many cases, the evidence does not stand up to scrutiny in court and the accused walk free,” he said.