Jajpur: A man was killed and his grandson critically injured after being struck by lightning amid a Kalabaisakhi storm in Jajpur district on Thursday, police said.
The deceased was identified as Manoj Dhal, 35 of Mohammad Jamalpur area.
According to local sources, Manoj and his grandson were returning home after grazing cattle in nearby fields when lightning struck them during a sudden thunderstorm. Manoj died on the spot, while the injured grandson was rescued by villagers and admitted to the district headquarters hospital for treatment.
Police reached the spot after receiving information, seized the body, and registered an unnatural death case. An investigation into the incident has been initiated.
The incident triggered grief in the locality, with residents expressing concern over the recurring lightning-related casualties during Kalabaisakhi storms. Villagers have appealed to the government to provide financial assistance to the bereaved family.
