Overview
- The 13-year-old boy, identified as Junaid of Cherumukku in Tirurangadi, died after touching a snapped stay wire that was reported to be in contact with an overhead power line on Sunday.
- Police and eyewitnesses said the broken stay wire lay on the ground in a paddy field frequented by farmers and fishers, and friends who tried to help were stopped from approaching by a tractor driver.
- Residents say several stay wires and low-hanging lines in the area had been damaged for years and that KSEB took time to disconnect power despite repeated calls for help.
- Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph ordered an immediate inquiry, directed the Tirurangadi deputy chief engineer to submit a factual report, and instructed that the family receive prompt compensation.
- The minister also ordered intensified safety inspections statewide and warned of strict disciplinary action if the probe finds official negligence, a step that could lead to operational and accountability changes at KSEB.