At least 19 people were killed and several others injured in separate lightning strike incidents across West Bengal in past 24 hours., as thunderstorms triggered by a cyclonic low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal swept through various districts. One of the deceased is from the northern part of the state while rests are from southern and central Bengal. The highest casualties were reported from Bankura, followed by East Burdwan, Purulia and West Midnapore.
According to the Regional Meteorological Department, thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain lashed parts of southern and central Bengal, with particularly intense activity in agricultural zones. Most of the victims were farmers caught in the fields during the sudden downpours. Bankura district recorded the highest toll with nine deaths and two injuries reported from areas including Kotulpur, Onda, Indas and Jaipur.
In Kotulpur, 50-year-old Ziaul Haque Mollah from Khiri village was planting Aman paddy when he was struck by lightning. Another local, Aspia Mollah, was also injured in the same incident. Both were rushed to Gogra Rural Hospital, where Ziaul was declared dead.
In Onda, 48-year-old Narayan Sawar lost his life while working in a paddy field. In Indas, 60-year-old Ismail Mandal also died due to a lightning strike and one other person sustained injuries. In Jaipur, 38-year-old Uttam Bhuiyan of Kharikashuli village was killed in similar circumstances. Six people were killed in East Burdwan, many of whom were working in farmlands at the time. Among the victims was 60-year-old Sanatan Patra of Madhabdihi and 28-year-old Sanjay Hembram of Aushgram, who had gone to help his uncle thresh paddy when the storm suddenly struck.
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Local sources reported that four other individuals were injured in Bhatar block when lightning hit the fields during the stormy weather. In Purulia, Sumitra Mahato (45) and Sajati Mahato (50) died when they working in a field in Jhalla area.
In West Midnapore, 42-year-old farmer Laxmikant Pan of Lahirganj village in Chandrakona II Block died after being struck by lightning. The police have sent his body to Ghatal Subdistrict Hospital for post-mortem examination. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued prior warnings of thunderstorms and lightning in multiple districts, urging people, especially farmers, to avoid working outdoors during the peak storm hours.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as more rain is expected over the next 48 hours. Local administrations have been asked to stay on alert and extend immediate relief to affected families. With the monsoon intensifying and agricultural activity peaking across rural Bengal, Thursday’s tragic incidents underscore the deadly risks posed by extreme weather events, especially for those working in open fields.
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