In a tragic incident, a 20-year-old woman, Ferdousi Khatun, was electrocuted to death on Sunday in Kolkata’s adjoining North 24 Parganas after accidentally stepping into a live electric trap allegedly set by her father to deter theft. As the parents noticed the incident, they fled fearing locals’ outrage leaving behind the victim’s body.
Police said the victim’s father, Khaleq Sardar, had rigged a pile of dried plant debris outside their home at Baduria village with a live electric wire to deter theft. “When his unsuspecting daughter was sweeping the courtyard and came into contact with the trap, the crude security measure turned fatal leading to Ferdousi’s tragic death,” said a police officer.
Instead of alerting neighbours and police, the family fled, leaving her body behind. Local residents informed the police, who arrived and took Ferdousi to a Basirhat Hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The gruesome nature of the incident and the family’s sudden disappearance have sparked widespread anger in the neighborhood. Locals condemned the act, stating that Khaleq had previously used similar dangerous methods to prevent theft.
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“He had done this before. We warned him it was dangerous,” said one local resident, adding, “Back then, no one got hurt. But now, trying to punish a thief has cost him his own daughter’s life. It’s inhumane.”
Residents are now demanding strict legal action, branding the act as a grossly negligent and reckless form of vigilantism.
A senior official of the Basirhat district police confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been registered. Authorities have launched an intensive hunt for the absconding family members.
“This is a serious incident. We have registered a case under relevant sections of law. A thorough investigation is underway. The accused will be apprehended and justice will be served,” said a police officer.
Police are also examining whether the illegal use of electricity from any external or unauthorised source was involved in setting the trap. “Such practices are illegal under the Indian Electricity Act and criminal law,” said the police officer.
As the police continue their search for the absconding parents and further investigate the case, the local residents mourns the sudden loss of a young life and awaits justice for Ferdousi Khatun.
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