15-Year-Old Dies in Nilambur Wild Boar Trap: Congress Using Tragedy for Political Gain

Malappuram: A Class 10 student tragically lost his life after coming into contact with a live electric fence set up illegally to trap wild boars in Vazhikadavu, near Nilambur, on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as 15 -year -old Ananthu, also known as Jithu. The incident occurred when Jithu and three of his friends accidentally touched a live wire connected to the illegal trap installed on private property. Although locals rushed the boys to a nearby hospital, Jithu was declared brought dead. LDF nominee M Swaraj visited the hospital last night where the teenager’s body was kept. Two of the boys, Yadhu Krishnan and Sachu, sustained serious injuries but have since been declared out of critical condition.

Vineesh

Vazhikadavu police arrested Vellakatta native Vineesh on Sunday in connection with the incident. During interrogation, Vineesh confessed to drawing electricity illegally from the Kerala State Electricity Board, using it to set up the trap. He also admitted to having previously sold wild boar meat. The case has now been handed over to the Crime Branch and will be led by Malappuram DySP.
Soon after the incident became public, Congress launched a protest in Nilambur town, an act that raises serious questions about how they received information so quickly. With the Nilambur byelection drawing close, Congress appears to be shamelessly exploiting the tragic death of a 15 -year -old boy for political mileage. The first statement from the UDF termed the incident as a government -sponsored murder, accusing the administration of inaction against illegal traps. However, it has now come to light that the accused is an active Congress worker, closely associated with Vellakketta ward member, who is a known ally of UDF candidate.

A K Saseendran

State Forest Minister A K Saseendran dismissed the allegations, calling them a politically motivated conspiracy ahead of the bypoll. The death sparked protests on Saturday night, with Congress and IUML workers blocking roads, marching to the police station and clashing with police. BJP workers also staged separate protests, accusing the government of negligence. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, addressing the media, repeated the baseless claim that this was a state- sponsored murder. He further alleged that such illegal electric traps were being laid with the knowledge of the KSEB, thus implicating the government in a narrative built solely to damage the LDF.
Minister Saseendran countered these allegations, stating that there is a calculated effort to turn local sentiment against the government and the forest department during the bypoll campaign. He termed the incident tragic and painful, adding that while the fence was erected on private land, the landowner denied setting up any electric fencing. Locals too claimed there was no such setup visible the previous evening. KSEB officials have confirmed they had no knowledge of the illegal connection. The wildlife department has not been using electric fences in the area for a long time. Saseendran noted that the sudden emergence of UDF’s protest march even before locals were aware of the incident suggests deeper political orchestration. Two individuals are currently in police custody and their interrogation is ongoing.

CPI M State Secretary M V Govindan addresses the media, calls for a thorough probe into the Nilambur teen’s death and slams UDF for politicising the tragedy

CPI M State Secretary M V Govindan also addressed the media on Sunday, stating that the possibility of political conspiracy behind the boy’s death must be thoroughly investigated. He condemned the UDF for using the tragedy as an opportunity to unleash a targeted attack on the LDF. He questioned why, when allegations of irregularities emerged, UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath conveniently distanced himself and passed the responsibility to KPCC president Sunny Joseph. Joseph, in turn, brushed off the charges and refused to comment further. Govindan affirmed that whoever is behind this will be brought to light through proper investigation. The accused is not only a Congress worker but also a close associate of a panchayat member who has links to Aryadan Shoukath.
Until yesterday there were no posters in the area, but once the incident gained attention, UDF’s campaign materials suddenly appeared everywhere. This is a calculated and opportunistic move. The phone records of the accused must be thoroughly examined. It is evident that the UDF is willing to resort to anything to win an election they cannot win democratically. There are several licensed wild boar hunters in the panchayat, yet the panchayat has failed to implement any legal framework. Instead, the Congress-backed individual resorted to illegal electric fencing, a fact that raises serious suspicions.

LDF Nilambur candidate M Swaraj addresses the media

LDF candidate M Swaraj also commented on the incident, calling it deeply unfortunate and stressing the need for a thorough investigation. He recalled a similar incident that occurred two months ago in Putharippadam, where a Congress worker named Puthanveetil Ramakrishnan, also known as Kunjoottan, died under similar circumstances. At that time, not a single Congress leader blocked roads or raised their voice. Their silence then, contrasted with the current uproar, reveals a disturbing double standard. Back then there was no byelection, and hence no need for Congress to politicise a death. Now, with a byelection underway, Congress is milking a tragedy for votes. Swaraj stated that while he could openly name the accused’s political affiliation, he chose not to, maintaining that a death should not be weaponised for electoral gain. He added that Minister Saseendran’s comments may have been based on intelligence inputs he received. When such incidents occur, the government must take proactive steps to prevent recurrence.
Swaraj also highlighted the broader issue of man-wildlife conflict in Nilambur’s hill and forest areas. He pointed out that the existing Wildlife Protection Law, passed by a particular political party he refrained from naming, is outdated and needs to be revised. He stated that Kerala has already submitted a detailed proposal to the Centre to address this issue, but it has not received official sanction. This is a matter governed by central legislation, and the state government cannot override it. He called upon the Centre to act responsibly and grant approval for Kerala’s recommendations to mitigate wildlife conflict.