Nagpur: Two cousin farmers were killed after lightning struck a neem tree near a village temple during a sudden thunderstorm in Tishti Khurd village of Kalmeshwar taluka on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased have been identified as Tiburaj Kanphade (64) and Laxman Kanphade (53). The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village.
Gold Rate
Sept 17,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
According to villagers, the two cousins had left their homes on Saturday morning to graze cattle in the farmlands surrounding the village. At around 3 pm, the weather suddenly deteriorated, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and frequent thunderclaps.
Seeking shelter from the downpour, the cousins took refuge at a temple on the outskirts of the village. Shortly afterward, lightning struck a neem tree behind the temple, causing a powerful electrical discharge that killed both men on the spot.
When the two farmers failed to return home by evening, their family members became concerned and began searching for them.
Around 9 pm, villager Raju Asole noticed cattle roaming unattended near the temple. He went to the spot to investigate and found the bodies of the two farmers. He immediately alerted other villagers.
Residents rushed to the location after learning about the incident. Namdev Kanphade, son of Tiburaj Kanphade, informed Mohapa Police Station.
Police subsequently registered a case of accidental death and initiated further formalities.
