Agartala, April 18:A sudden lightning strike on Saturday afternoon claimed the life of a 50-year-old farmer and left another seriously injured in Malaya village, located along the India-Bangladesh border under Kamalpur police station in Tripura’s Dhalai district.
The deceased has been identified as Abdul Samad (50), while Abdul Kuddus (55), who was accompanying him, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
According to local residents, the incident occurred when both men had gone, as part of their routine, to cultivate their farmland situated beyond the barbed-wire fencing along the border.
As dark clouds gathered and a thunderstorm began, the two farmers reportedly took shelter under a tree.
Moments later, a bolt of lightning struck, killing Samad on the spot and injuring Kuddus.
Border security personnel, with assistance from villagers, rushed them to Kamalpur Sub-Divisional Hospital – Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital, where attending doctors declared Samad dead on arrival. Kuddus continues to receive medical care at the same facility.
The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over Malaya village and surrounding areas, with residents expressing shock and grief. Both victims are survived by their wives and two children each, leaving their families in a vulnerable condition.
Local villagers, along with Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Prashant Sinha, have appealed to the administration and public to extend financial assistance and support to the bereaved and affected families.
