In a sharp reversal, Kerala Forest Minister A K Saseendran clarified his controversial remarks on the death of a teenager who was electrocuted by an illegal live wire snare near Vazhikkadavu in Nilambur. The area is currently in the spotlight due to an upcoming bypoll. On Monday, Saseendran stated that he never accused anyone of a conspiracy in the death itself, but only in how the tragedy was politically exploited.

“The media misrepresented my words. I spoke of a political ploy in the way the incident is being used, not in the death,” he asserted, while also alleging a targeted media campaign against him. He maintained that the state government had already delegated authority to local panchayats, enabling them to cull wild boars—placing responsibility for preventive action on the Vazhikkadavu panchayat.

Saseendran alleged that the local body failed to act despite being empowered, and said the protests that followed were orchestrated to tarnish his image and that of the forest department, especially ahead of the Nilambur by-election.

Refuting rumours of criticism from the chief minister, Saseendran stood firm. However, the opposition was quick to respond. UDF convener Adoor Prakash linked the minister’s backtracking to LDF’s fear of losing Nilambur. CPM leaders, including M V Govindan, were also called out for their similar comments.

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan accused the minister of insulting the public and joined a UDF protest against KSEB’s failure to act against illegal electrified traps.