Child Killed in Electric Rat Trap in Rice Field, Barguna

In Barguna’s Taltali, an eight-year-old boy, Imran, tragically died after becoming entangled in an electric rat trap set in a rice field. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning (29 October) in the Borbhaijora area of the upazila.

Imran, the son of Ripa Begum from the same village, was a second-grade student at Harinbaria Government Primary School.

According to local sources, Imran had gone to the rice field with his mother to cut grass for their goats. At the same time, a local man, Abu Saleh, had illegally connected the trap to electricity from a mosque to catch rats. The trap was unmarked and carried no warning signs. Tragically, Imran accidentally came into contact with the trap’s wiring and was electrocuted on the spot.

Locals described the use of electric traps in farmland as extremely dangerous and criminal, warning that such accidents cannot be prevented without strict monitoring by authorities. Following the incident, Abu Saleh is reported to be absconding.

Speaking through tears, Imran’s mother, Ripa Begum, said:“I had no idea there was electricity there. My son was killed instantly right before my eyes.”

Md Imran Sheikh, AGM of Taltali Rural Electrification Cooperative, said:“Using a mosque’s electricity connection to power a trap in a rice field is completely illegal. The matter will be investigated, and legal action will be taken.”

Md Shahjalal, Officer-in-Charge of Taltali Police Station, stated: “Police have been sent to the scene. If a complaint is filed, legal proceedings will be initiated against those responsible.”

Locals also emphasised that the growing use of electric traps in farmland poses a serious risk to human life and called for swift action and strict enforcement by the authorities to prevent further tragedies.