Farmer dies after touching live wire meant to kill wild boar

Cuttack: A 60-year-old farmer was electrocuted after coming in contact with a live electric wire allegedly laid by poachers to trap wild boars in Kuspangi village of Cuttack district, late on Friday.

The deceased, Gandharba Ghadai, was a resident of Kuspangi. According to the police, as per preliminary information, Ghadai had gone to inspect his farmland when he reportedly slipped and touched the live wire.

His body was discovered by family members on Saturday morning after he failed to return home overnight. Police and electricity department officials reached the spot after they were informed and launched a probe.

The incident triggered anger in the area, with locals and relatives blocking the Cuttack-Banki road on Saturday afternoon. They demanded immediate arrest of those responsible for laying the trap and also demanded compensation for the family of the deceased. The road blockade was lifted after police intervention and assurances of swift action.

"This is not the first time such traps have been laid. We have complained before, but no action was taken. Now an innocent man has lost his life," said Ramesh Behera, a resident of Puspangi village.

Cuttack (rural) SP Prateek Singh said, "A case has been registered in connection with the incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the person responsible."