Thaindian News

By Ranjan Bhaduri
Feb 14, (THAINDIAN NEWS) It is quite commonplace to see people trying out various measures to protect their gardens and beloved plants from unwanted trespassers and also from animals like cows and goats. They try everything from putting up barricades to laying traps for birds and small animals etc. Sometimes, paranoid garden owners install security or alarm systems to stop others from stealing the flower or harvest. However, it is not commonplace to see someone using landmines to keep his garden safe. That is precisely what a Russian farmer has done, strange as it may sound. The act has landed the farmer into trouble.

The Russian farmer has been convicted as he planted landmines made in his home, all over his garden, to stop intruders. He wanted to protect his potato crop. The 73 year old Alexander Skopintsev has hit the headlines for his unusual deed. The mines were armed with salt and gunpowder to ensure that the trespassers get a lesson for their life. His farm is situated near the China border.

Reportedly, one of his neighbors, Stanislav Manoilenko, got injured from those mines when he was walking a path between the two fields. The farmer was pronounced guilty of making and illegally storing explosives thereafter. He realized the gravity of his mistake and pleaded guilty. The news may seem amusing to some people but it could run into serious consequences. The neighbor’s injury was not severe but the incident highlights the fact that some people can go to any length to protect what they believe are assets to them.