Three Farmers Killed by Lightning Strikes in Naogaon

Three farmers have lost their lives and two others sustained severe injuries following separate lightning strikes in the Mohadevpur and Niyamatpur upazilas of Naogaon district. The incidents occurred on Wednesday afternoon, 6 May, while the victims were engaged in agricultural activities during the peak of the harvesting season.

Incident Details and Casualties

According to local reports and police sources, the fatalities occurred in three distinct locations within the district. In Mohadevpur upazila, the tragedy unfolded in Alideona Kurapara village. A group of farmers was harvesting paddy near the Kurapara tank (dighi) when a powerful lightning bolt struck the field.

Dilip Chandra Barman, 50, son of the late Haricharan Barman, was killed instantly. Two other farmers at the site, identified as Jiban, son of Madan, and Narayan, son of the late Lakhan, suffered critical injuries. Local residents rescued the injured and transported them to Mohadevpur Upazila Health Complex. Due to the severity of their condition, the attending physician referred them to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) for advanced treatment.

In Niyamatpur upazila, two separate incidents were recorded:

1. In Ramnagar village, Anukul Chandra Mahanta, son of Patu Mahanta, was struck by lightning while transporting harvested paddy from the field to his home. He died on the spot.

2. In Khoddachampa village, another farmer was killed while harvesting crops. Although his name has not yet been officially confirmed, he has been identified as a resident of the Khaser Hat Utthapara area in the neighbouring Chapainawabganj district.

Summary of Casualties

Official Response

The Officers-in-Charge (OC) of both respective police stations have confirmed the fatalities. OC Mo. Omar Faruq of Mohadevpur Police Station and OC Mahbubur Rahman of Niyamatpur Police Station verified that the deaths resulted from natural lightning strikes.

Authorities stated that police teams have been dispatched to the locations to gather further details and assist the bereaved families. While the identities of the local victims have been established, administrative efforts are underway to formally identify the deceased labourer from Chapainawabganj. The local administration typically provides financial assistance to the families of lightning strike victims under disaster management protocols, and officials have indicated that they are looking into the matter to initiate subsequent legal and supportive procedures.

The incidents highlight the recurring danger faced by agricultural workers in the Barind tract during the pre-monsoon season, where open fields offer little protection against sudden electrical storms. At the time of reporting, the two injured individuals remain under medical supervision in Rajshahi.