Malappuram, 29 April (H.S.): A 55-year-old farmer was found dead in his agricultural field near Pariyapuram in Malappuram district, with police suspecting electrocution from an electric fence installed to deter wild animals.

The deceased has been identified as Abdul Azeez, a resident of Kalliparamba in Pattikkunnu. According to preliminary findings, Azeez is believed to have come into contact with a live electric fence set up around his banana plantation to prevent wild boars from entering the farmland.

Police officials said the incident likely occurred when Azeez accidentally touched the electrified fencing, resulting in a fatal shock. Supporting this theory, a wild boar was also found dead near his body, indicating that the fence was actively carrying current at the time of the incident.

The body is estimated to have been lying at the site for nearly a day before it was discovered. Local residents grew suspicious after noticing a foul smell emanating from the otherwise deserted plantation. Upon inspecting the area on Tuesday evening, they found Azeez lying motionless and immediately alerted the authorities.

It is learnt that Azeez had taken the land on lease and was engaged in banana cultivation at the site. Police have initiated an inquiry to determine whether proper safety measures were followed in installing the electric fence, as the use of high-voltage current in such setups is regulated due to the risk it poses to human life.

The body has been shifted to the mortuary at the Perinthalmanna District Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Azeez is survived by his mother, Aasya. His father, Kunjimoidu, is deceased.

Further investigation is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman