Farmer dies after being electrocuted from illegal electric snare in Alappuzha

A 65-year-old farmer reportedly died after coming into contact with an electric snare set to trap wild boars at Chavady in Thamarakulam grama panchayat in Alappuzha on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Sivankutty K. Pillai. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. The trap, according to officials, was set up illegally by his neighbour Johnson Cheruvilayil. “Mr. Pillai owned property next to Mr. Cheruvilayil’s. He was on his way to his property through Mr. Cheruvilayil’s land when he was electrocuted,” said Deepa R., ward member.

Case registered

After completing a post-mortem examination at the Government Medical College Hospital, Alappuzha, Mr. Pillai’s body was handed over to relatives. The Nooranad police said that a case had been registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (a person has committed suicide, or has been killed by another or by an animal or by machinery or by an accident, or has died under circumstances raising a reasonable suspicion that some other person has committed an offence).

The police have reportedly taken Mr. Cheruvilayil into custody. “We are awaiting the post-mortem examination report to initiate further action in the case. Any arrest will be recorded after receiving the report,” said a police officer.

Refused to install solar fence

G. Venu, president of Thamarakulam grama panchayat, said that Mr. Cheruvilayil had declined to install a solar fence under the government subsidy scheme. “The panchayat has been installing solar fences. So far, 14 farmers have set up fences. However, Mr. Cheruvilayil was not willing to take part in the scheme. In addition to the solar fences, the panchayat has also deployed licensed shooters. Around a dozen wild boars have been shot and killed in the area so far,” said Mr. Venu.

Last week, a 15-year-old boy was electrocuted by an illegal electric trap meant for wild boars at Vazhikkadavu, near Nilambur, in Malappuram. Two others were injured in the incident, leading to widespread protests and heated political exchanges.

Published - June 16, 2025 06:29 pm IST