Malappuram (Keralam): A 13-year-old boy died of electrocution after coming into contact with a snapped stay wire connected to an electricity pole in a paddy field near his house in this district on Sunday.

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The deceased, identified as Junaid, son of Shihabudheen, a native of Cherumukku in Tirurangadi, had gone to the field with friends on the holiday to watch a tractor ploughing the land, police said.

The wire, lying broken on the ground, was reportedly in contact with an overhead power line, resulting in the fatal shock.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph ordered an immediate inquiry and directed officials to ensure compensation for the bereaved family.

Residents said Junaid's friends tried to rescue him but were stopped by the tractor driver, who prevented them from approaching the wire and suffering a similar fate.

They alleged that officials of the Keralam State Electricity Board (KSEB) took time to disconnect the power supply despite repeated calls for help.

Residents also said several stay wires in the area had remained damaged for years and that power lines in the locality were hanging at dangerously low heights. The paddy field is frequented by farmers and fishermen throughout the year, they said.

The incident triggered protests by residents, who accused KSEB officials of serious negligence.

The body was shifted to the mortuary of Tirurangadi Taluk Hospital, police said.

In a statement, Joseph expressed condolences and said he had directed the Deputy Chief Engineer of Tirurangadi to submit a factual report immediately.

The inquiry would examine whether there had been negligence on the part of officials and whether earlier complaints about the hazardous condition of the lines had been left unaddressed, he said.

"Strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible for any lapse," he said.

Joseph directed the KSEB to ensure that the family received the compensation due to them without delay, and said safety inspections would be intensified across the state to prevent a recurrence.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)