Two young men lost their lives after coming into contact with a live electric wire allegedly installed around a farm in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when the victims were returning home after purchasing household items from a local shop.

The tragedy took place in Bhayawadi village under the Kotwali police station area. According to preliminary information, the victims were walking through a footpath passing between agricultural fields when they accidentally touched an electrified wire laid near a farm.

The deceased have been identified as Vinod Uike (27) and Rohit Dhurve (25), both residents of Bhayawadi village. Officials said the two men were heading home when they came in contact with the live wire and died on the spot due to the high-voltage current.

The incident came to light on Thursday morning when villagers and family members noticed the two bodies lying inside a field owned by a local farmer. Police from Sonaghati outpost reached the spot soon after receiving information and initiated an investigation.

After completing preliminary procedures at the scene, authorities sent the bodies to the district hospital for post-mortem examination. Police officials also inspected the area to determine how the electrified fencing had been arranged and whether safety norms had been violated.

Initial findings suggest that the field contained a standing maize crop. Investigators suspect that electricity had been supplied to the fencing in an attempt to protect the crop from wild animals entering the farm.

Family members of the deceased also echoed similar concerns. Harichand Uike, father of Vinod Uike, said he believed the electric current had been intentionally connected around the field to prevent damage to crops from animals.

The deaths have triggered grief across the village, with residents expressing shock over the incident. Both victims were married and each leaves behind a young daughter. Their families reportedly depended on daily wage labour for livelihood.

Villagers gathered in large numbers as police conducted the investigation and the bodies were taken for post-mortem. The incident has once again raised concerns about the illegal use of electrified fencing in rural areas, where such measures are sometimes employed to protect crops despite posing serious risks to human life.

Kotwali police station in-charge Devkaran Dahariya said the farm owner, Kailash Yadav, has been taken into custody for questioning. Investigators are examining the circumstances under which electricity was supplied to the fencing and whether negligence or illegal action contributed to the deaths.

Police officials said statements of witnesses and family members are being recorded, while technical aspects related to the electric connection are also being verified. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact source of the electric supply connected to the field. The inquiry remains ongoing, and officials are expected to determine accountability after completing the investigation.

The deaths of the two villagers have left the community mourning and highlighted the dangers associated with unauthorized electrical fencing used for crop protection.