Illegal electric fencing claimed 61 lives in 4 yrs in Kerala; father–son duo latest victims

Kochi: Year after year, the state sees a rising toll from illegal electric fencing, the latest victims being a father-son 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 2023–24 and 24 in 2024–25 — underscoring the growing danger posed by unauthorised electrified fences.State electricity board (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. 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.