Bhubaneswar: A farmer and his son died after being electrocuted in a paddy field at Hirapur village under Nachuni police limits in Khurda district while guarding their crops from wild animals, police sources said on Saturday. The deceased were identified as Rabindra Guru (65) and his son Pabitra Guru (29).According to preliminary information, the duo had gone to their agricultural field on Friday night to keep a watch over standing paddy crops. The field had been surrounded by a solar-powered fence that had been charged with electric current by them to prevent intrusion by wild animals and stray cattle.IIC, Nachuni police station, Bibhuti Bhusan Mohapatra said Rabindra Guru is suspected to have accidentally come in contact with the live fence and suffered a fatal electric shock. “On seeing his father collapse, Pabitra rushed to rescue him but also came into contact with the charged fencing and was electrocuted. Both died on the spot,” Mohapatra said.After receiving information, police reached the village and shifted the bodies to the community health centre (CHC) at Tangi. An inquest was conducted and the bodies were later handed over to family members.Police have launched an investigation to determine how the fencing was installed and whether electricity was being used illegally or in violation of safety norms. Officials are examining the source of power supplied to the fence and the circumstances that led to the tragedy. “There will be a joint inspection by energy department and police on Monday,” said Mohapatra.The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with privately procured and poorly installed electric fencing systems. Such fatalities have been reported from different parts of Odisha in recent years, with farmers often resorting to sub-standard or unauthorised electrified fences to protect crops from wild animals. In several cases, lack of technical knowledge about electrical safety has resulted in accidental electrocution.Authorities have repeatedly cautioned against the use of live electric fencing around agricultural fields and urged farmers to adopt approved wildlife-deterrent measures. Police said the investigation is underway.