A Forest Beat Officer (FBO) was electrocuted after accidentally coming into contact with an electrified trap allegedly laid by suspected hunters in Nakiripet forest area of Burgampadu mandal in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Tuesday night.

The deceased was identified as B. Naveen, 40, an FBO attached to the Cheruvu Singaram (west) forest beat.

According to sources, Naveen was conducting a night patrol along with six other staff members after receiving information about the presence of electric traps being used to hunt wild animals.

While moving through the forest area in the darkness, he reportedly came into contact with an electrified wire trap and suffered a severe electric shock.

He collapsed at the spot and was rushed towards the Government Areas Hospital in Bhadrachalam. However, he died while being taken to the hospital, sources said.

The deceased hailed from Venkatya thanda in Karepalli mandal of Khammam district.

Burgampadu police registered a case and launched an investigation to identify those who allegedly laid the electrified trap.

The incident has highlighted the grave threat posed by illegal electric traps to forest personnel and people living in forest-fringe areas.