Saseendran backtracks on conspiracy accusation

Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has softened his stance after facing intense backlash from the United Democratic Front (UDF) for accusing it of conspiracy in the tragic death of 15-year-old Ananthu at Vazhikkadavu.

“I never accused anyone of conspiracy. I only pointed out potential suspicions of a conspiracy being exploited for political purposes before the election. It was not an allegation against anyone,” the Minister told the media.

However, Mr. Saseendran questioned the UDF’s characterisation of the tragic incident as a ‘government-sponsored murder’. “Did the government plan this accident?” he asked pointedly.

UDF candidate in Nilambur byelection Aryadan Shoukath and Congress leader Jyothikumar Chamakkala had termed the Vazhikkadavu tragedy as a ‘government sponsored murder’, fixing the responsibility on the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

It was on Saturday late evening that Ananthu, alias Jithu, a 10th standard student of Christ King Higher Secondary School, Manimooly, fatally touched a live electric trap illegally set for wild boars near his house at Vazhikkadavu. While Ananthu was electrocuted, his friends Shanu and Yadu were rescued by local residents.

The incident sparked a heated political exchange between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition UDF, with both sides trading accusations over responsibility for the tragedy.

Published - June 09, 2025 09:08 pm IST