In a heartbreaking incident, a sudden lightning strike claimed the lives of two elderly relatives in Bandabhui village under Baunsapokhari Panchayat in Hindol block of Dhenkanal district on Monday afternoon.
Ganeshwar Sahu (64) and his sister-in-law Subasini Sahu (62) had gone to pick mangoes when dark clouds gathered, and thunder roared. Seeking shelter under a tree, the couple was struck by a powerful lightning bolt around 2:30 PM.
Locals rushed to the spot after hearing the news and found both unconscious. They were immediately rushed to Hindol Community Health Centre, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.
The bodies were later handed over to the grieving family after the post-mortem. The last rites were performed at the village crematorium amid an outpouring of sorrow from the entire community.
Former Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Sahu expressed deep grief over the untimely deaths and strongly demanded adequate compensation and government assistance for the bereaved families.
Baunsapokhari Sarpanch Ranjit Amant, along with residents, has also raised the demand for ex-gratia payment and support from the administration.
Lightning strikes during the pre-monsoon and early monsoon period remain a silent killer in rural Odisha, especially in open farmlands and orchards.
Authorities have repeatedly advised villagers not to take shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms.
The incident has left the quiet village in mourning, once again highlighting the vulnerability of rural lives to nature’s fury.
