Thiruvananthapuram: Forest Minister AK Saseendran has issued a clarification regarding his earlier comments on the death of a student in Nilambur, who was electrocuted by an illegal electric trap allegedly set to deter wild boars. The minister stated that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he had not suggested a conspiracy behind the death itself.

Saseendran explained that his comments referred to a suspected political conspiracy aimed at gaining mileage ahead of the elections--not the tragic incident that resulted in the student’s death. He claimed that his statement had been taken out of context and used to target him unfairly.

"The opposition, particularly the UDF, seized the opportunity to isolate and attack me," he said, adding that he was merely echoing claims made by local residents, who told the media that no such fencing had been visible earlier that day.

The minister reiterated that he did not allege any conspiracy in the student's death, but rather in the protests and political reactions that followed. He argued that the incident had been politicised in an attempt to discredit the Forest Department and himself ahead of the polls.

Saseendran also dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief Minister had expressed displeasure over his remarks.