In a heartbreaking incident near Nilambur, 15-year-old Ananthu (also known as Jithu), a Class 10 student, died after being electrocuted by an illegal electric fence set up to trap wild boars in Vazhikadavu. The trap, reportedly powered by stolen electricity, also injured two of his friends—Yadhu Krishnan and Sachu, the latter critically. The boys were returning from a football game and heading to a stream when they encountered the fence on private property.

Local residents rushed to help after one of the boys escaped and raised an alarm. While the injured were taken to hospital, Jithu was declared dead on the spot. Police filed an FIR under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Two individuals have been arrested.

The tragedy quickly spiraled into political turmoil ahead of the Nilambur by-election. Forest Minister A K Saseendran termed the incident tragic but questioned the sudden protests, hinting at possible political orchestration. He clarified that neither the Forest Department nor KSEB were responsible, as live electric fences are strictly banned.

Meanwhile, UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath called it a “state-endorsed murder,” blaming KSEB for failing to monitor illegal power usage. Protests erupted, led by UDF cadres, causing road blockades and clashes with police.

LDF leaders, including M Swaraj and M.V. Govindan, hit back, accusing the opposition of politicising the tragedy and demanding an inquiry into potential UDF links.