The tragic death of 15-year-old Anandu, electrocuted by a live wire trap set to ward off wild animals in Vazhikkadavu, has ignited a political firestorm in Kerala’s Nilambur constituency ahead of the bypoll.

The UDF squarely blamed the LDF government, alleging the tragedy highlights rising man-animal conflicts and administrative failure. On Saturday night, UDF workers blocked the state highway at Nilambur, launching widespread protests.

But Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran sparked outrage with claims that the incident could be a “staged political conspiracy” timed to influence the election. His remarks, echoed by CPM leaders and state secretary M.V. Govindan, led to furious reactions. Protesters burnt effigies of the minister, and Youth Congress activists gathered outside his Kozhikode guest house.

Saseendran suggested the speed of UDF’s response and protests before locals were fully informed pointed to a deliberate attempt to weaponize the death for political gain. Govindan backed this, calling for a probe into phone records of the accused.

In response, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph slammed the minister’s comments as absurd and cruel, demanding he prove the conspiracy theory or step down.

Candidates across parties — Aryadan Shoukath (UDF), M Swaraj (LDF), PV Anvar, and Mohan George — visited Anandu’s family. Shoukath termed it a “government-sponsored murder”, questioning whether KSEB’s negligence enabled illegal live wire traps. Swaraj countered, accusing UDF of inhuman politicization, citing a similar previous death that went unprotested.