Four people, including a couple, died when lightning struck at several places in Lalgarh and Beliyabera police station area in Jhargram district on Monday afternoon.

Two persons were also injured in the lightning.

The first incident occurred at Shutpipul village under the Belatikri Panchayat area, where Laltoo Pujari, 36, and his wife Kajol Pujari, 32, were killed. Another person Ashok Sardar was injured due to lightning.

“They were agricultural workers working in the field when lightning struck. Both died on the spot. Sardar was injured and was rushed to Lalgarh Primary Health Centre,” said a senior police officer from Lalgarh police station.

In Beliyabera police station area, two deaths were also reported due to lightning strikes. Mihir Mahapatra, 40, died while returning home from agricultural fields in Laupara village.

Another individual, Pintu Shikari, was injured and was taken to the hospital.

Similarly, Proful Manna, 49, a resident of Chandidas village, died nearly at the same time due to lightning while fishing in a canal. Manna was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead by the doctors.

“All the bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and the injured have been
shifted to Jhargram Medical College and Hospital,” the officer said.