Three villagers electrocuted by live wire in Bihar's Sitamarhi paddy field
Synopsis
Three villagers searching for a missing buffalo in a Bihar paddy field before dawn were electrocuted by live wires allegedly laid to keep wild boars away from crops. The death of a husband, his wife, and a neighbour — and the discovery of two dead wild boars nearby — points to an illegal but disturbingly common rural practice that authorities are now under pressure to crack down on.
Key Takeaways
Three villagers — Salam Mansuri , Rubaida Khatoon , and Hasmat Ansari — died after contacting live wires in a paddy field in Sitamarhi district, Bihar on 4 October 2025 .
The incident occurred around 4 am at Takiya Tola , Akhta Pashchimi Chakwa Panchayat , Bairgania block .
Three other villagers sustained serious electric burns and are being treated at Bairgania Community Health Centre .
Two dead wild boars found in the same field have raised suspicion that wires were illegally placed to protect crops from animals.
Police and the electricity department have launched an investigation; the source and responsibility for the wiring are yet to be established.
Locals have demanded strict action against those responsible and compensation for the victims' families.
Three villagers, including a married couple, died after coming into contact with live electric wires allegedly strung across a paddy field in Sitamarhi district's Bairgania block, Bihar, in the early hours of Saturday, 4 October 2025, officials said. Three others sustained serious electric burns and are undergoing treatment. The deceased have been identified as Salam Mansuri, his wife Rubaida Khatoon, and Hasmat Ansari.
How the incident unfolded
The tragedy occurred around 4 am at Takiya Tola under Akhta Pashchimi Chakwa Panchayat. According to local residents, the group had stepped out before dawn to search for a buffalo that had gone missing from the area. Visibility was reportedly poor in the darkness when they entered the paddy field and came into contact with the live wire, receiving a severe electric shock.
All three deceased reportedly died at the spot. Other villagers, alerted by cries from the scene, rushed to help and transported the three injured survivors to Bairgania Community Health Centre, where they are currently being treated.
Suspicion over illegal wire placement
The discovery of two dead wild boars in the same field has heightened suspicion that live electric wires may have been deliberately placed to deter wild animals from entering and damaging the crops — a practice that is illegal and dangerous. Local residents have alleged the wiring was installed without authorisation and posed a severe safety hazard to anyone passing through the area.
Notably, the use of live wires as makeshift crop protection has been reported across rural Bihar and other agricultural states, despite repeated government advisories against the practice. This incident underscores the lethal risk such arrangements pose to unsuspecting civilians.
Investigation under way
Police and officials from the electricity department reached the spot following the incident and launched an investigation. The exact source of the electric supply, the identity of the person or persons responsible for installing the wires, and the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be officially established, according to authorities.
Community demands action and compensation
Residents of Akhta Pashchimi Chakwa Panchayat have demanded strict legal action against whoever is found responsible for setting up the illegal wiring. They have also sought adequate compensation for the families of the three victims. Grief has spread across the village, with the families of Salam Mansuri, Rubaida Khatoon, and Hasmat Ansari mourning their sudden deaths.
Further action from authorities is expected once the investigation into the source of the electricity supply and responsibility for the wiring is concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Sitamarhi, Bihar on 4 October 2025?
Three villagers died after accidentally touching live electric wires allegedly strung across a paddy field in Sitamarhi district's Bairgania block in the early hours of 4 October 2025. The group had gone out before dawn to search for a missing buffalo and stumbled onto the wires in the dark.
Who were the victims of the Sitamarhi electrocution?
The three deceased have been identified as Salam Mansuri, his wife Rubaida Khatoon, and Hasmat Ansari, all from Takiya Tola under Akhta Pashchimi Chakwa Panchayat. Three others who were with them survived with serious electric burns and are receiving treatment.
Why were live wires placed in the paddy field?
Authorities have not yet officially established who placed the wires or why. However, the discovery of two dead wild boars in the same field has led residents and investigators to suspect the wires were laid illegally to prevent wild animals from damaging crops — a dangerous practice that is prohibited.
What action is being taken after the Sitamarhi incident?
Police and the electricity department have reached the spot and begun an investigation into the source of the electric supply and the identity of those responsible. Residents have demanded strict legal action against the culprits and compensation for the families of the deceased.
Is the use of live wires in farmland a common practice in Bihar?
Reports of live wires being used as makeshift barriers to protect crops from wild animals have been documented across rural Bihar and other agricultural states, despite being illegal and repeatedly warned against by authorities. This incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement.
