NILAMBUR: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has come forward with an explanation in connection with the incident where a student was electrocuted from a power trap set up for wild boars at Vazhikkadavu. KSEB has mentioned in the post shared on social media that the trap was set by a private individual after stealing electricity directly from KSEB's single-phase line using an iron picker rod.

The lines were pulled using wire and, in some places, using uninsulated wires. KSEB said the accident occurred when children came in contact with the wire pulled through the stream. KSEB came with an explanation along with visuals of power theft.

KSEB has been constantly raising awareness against such violations. For the protection of agricultural crops, only electric fences with permission should be installed by applying to the electrical inspectorate. As per the electrical equipment standard IS -302-2-76- (1999) Section 76 Part 2, only battery-operated electric fence energizers having an impulse generator should be used.

Unauthorized use of electricity for electric fences is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, or with fine, or with both, as per Section 135 (1) (e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, Part 14. It is completely untrue and reprehensible to blame KSEB for the violation of law by private individuals.