Farmer Loses Bullock to Lightning Strike; Villagers Demand Compensation

Boden, June 27 A devastating lightning strike during heavy rainfall on Saturday afternoon has dealt a severe blow to the livelihood of a poor farmer in Temri village under Boden Gram Panchayat of Boden Block in Nuapada district. According to reports, one bullock belonging to Bibhishan Majhi, a marginal farmer and daily wage labourer, died on the spot after being struck by lightning. The tragic incident has left the farmer’s family in deep distress, as the animal was their primary source of support for agricultural activities. Bibhishan Majhi, who depends on farming and daily labour to sustain his family, relied heavily on the bullock for cultivation. With the farming season about to begin, the sudden loss has become an irreparable setback. Due to his poor financial condition, purchasing another bullock is beyond his means, leaving the family worried about the upcoming cultivation season. Upon receiving information about the incident, local BJP leaders Benudhar Jagat, Kunjabihari Kand, Dharam Majhi, along with several villagers, visited the spot and expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. They urged the district administration to conduct an immediate inquiry and provide adequate compensation to the affected farmer in accordance with government norms. Villagers said that poor farmers affected by natural calamities deserve timely government assistance. They appealed to the administration to adopt a humanitarian approach and release compensation at the earliest so that the farmer’s family can recover from the loss and resume agricultural activities.