THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Illegal electric fences claimed 24 lives in the state over a one-year period, ending this March. This is a sharp increase from the 16 deaths reported in the previous year.
In 2024-25, Palakkad accounted for the most deaths (10), followed by Thrissur (5) and Malappuram (3). Two people were killed in Pathanamthitta while one person each died in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kannur, showed the data with the state’s Electrical Inspectorate (EI). In 2023-24 too, Palakkad reported the highest number of deaths (9).
“Several farmers are using illegal electric fences to prevent wildlife incursions. Casualties can be prevented if they take the legal route — erecting the structures with an equipment, fence energiser. An ISI-certified energiser costs around Rs 10,000,” says Vinod G, Chief Electrical Inspector.
As per law, electric fences require prior sanction from the EI. A fence energiser converts power into short high-voltage pulses and will not kill humans or animals upon contact. Though non-lethal, such fences will effectively deter animals or intruders.
“Anti-social elements using electric fences to trap wild boars for trading their meat is another cause for concern. Such fences are directly connected to the KSEB power line. Unsuspecting landowners or passersby fall victims to it,” Vinod said.
According to him, a high-level committee had recently discussed the issue of illegal fences.
“On its basis, the EI will recommend the government to form micro-level committees to identify and prevent installation of such fences,” said Vinod.
Electrical accidents claimed 241 lives in a year
“We will also push for the use of insulated cables for power supply in forest fringe areas to prevent people from directly powering the fences from KSEB lines,” Vinod said.
Illegal fences are mostly erected in remote areas bordering the forests, making surveillance difficult, said Sujesh P Gopi, district electrical inspector in Palakkad.
“There were incidents in which people died after coming into contact with the fence that they themselves had erected. In such cases, people charge the fence in the evening but forget to snap the connection in the morning,” he said.
Meanwhile, deaths due to electrical accidents claimed 241 lives in 2024-25, a marked increase from 205 in the previous year. The number of people who suffered non-fatal injuries rose from 109 to 140.
The state witnessed a total of 455 electrical accidents in 2024-25, up from the previous year’s 362. Nearly 20% of the deaths were due to two preventable causes – illegal electric fences and the careless use of iron rod/ ladder near power lines. Deaths due to the latter doubled from the previous year’s 11 to 22 in 2024-25. Palakkad, for the fifth consecutive year, reported the highest number of electrical accidents (59) and deaths (32). Thrissur was second in the number of accidents (53), while Kollam reported second-highest fatalities at 31.
Installing unauthorised electric fencing is punishable under law. In case of death, offenders are charged under IPC Section 304, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The maximum punishment is up to 10 years in jail and fine.