Three Villagers Killed in Lightning Strike While Sowing Paddy in Chhattisgarh

Three villagers were killed after lightning struck a paddy field in Chhuri village of Korba district, Chhattisgarh, on Saturday evening, police said.

The incident occurred when around 25 to 30 villagers were sowing paddy saplings in a field behind Chhuri Bakra Bazar under the Katghora police station limits. The victims were identified as Bahoran Patle, Laxmi Chand Patle and Shyam Sahu, all residents of Chhuri.

The three suffered critical injuries in the lightning strike and were rushed to the Community Health Centre in Katghora, where doctors declared them dead. Police reached the hospital after being informed and initiated inquest proceedings, while the bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations.

The incident is the latest in a series of lightning-related deaths in Chhattisgarh in recent weeks. On June 29, a herdsman and two children were killed, while a 12-year-old girl suffered burn injuries after lightning struck a tree in Surguja district where they had taken shelter from rain.

Earlier, on June 12, three men, including a deputy sarpanch, were killed and five women injured when lightning struck a worksite in Kanker district.

The latest deaths come amid continued monsoon activity across Chhattisgarh, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting rain and thunderstorms in parts of the state. In Korba, periods of rain are expected over the coming days, while thunderstorms and lightning remain a potential hazard.

Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms, particularly those working in open fields. People are advised to seek shelter in safe enclosed structures and avoid standing under isolated trees during lightning activity.