Lightning kills youth, two other injured in Tripura

A deep shadow of grief has engulfed Unakoti district following a tragic lightning strike that claimed the life of a young rubber plantation owner and left two others critically injured on Tuesday afternoon in the Kanchanbari area.

The deceased has been identified as Gautam Roy, 29, a resident of Radha Gobindapur village under Laljuri gram panchayat. 

The injured, Nepal Gop (42) and Tapan Shil (42), are currently undergoing treatment at the Unakoti District Hospital.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred while Gautam and a few workers were engaged in work at his rubber plantation. Around noon, as heavy rain lashed the area, the group sought shelter under a small hut within the plantation premises. In a devastating turn of events, a bolt of lightning struck the shelter, knocking all three men unconscious.

Gautam Roy was rushed to the Kanchanbari Primary Health Centre, where he was declared brought dead. Dr. Mantoshi Chakma, the on-duty physician, confirmed the critical condition of the two injured men, who were immediately referred to the district hospital for further treatment. Gautam’s body has been kept at the Unkoti District Hospital morgue for autopsy.

A pall of gloom descended over the district as the news spread. Villagers thronged the hospital premises, mourning the untimely loss of a beloved community figure. 

Gautam, an only child, was known for his kind heart and selfless service. Locals recall how he would transport the ill to hospitals in his own vehicle, never accepting payment in return. He had developed two rubber plantations through his own efforts and was regarded as a beacon of hope in the village.

“Gautam died on the spot. I have lost such a good person, which is difficult to express in words,” said a grief-stricken Nepal Gop from his hospital bed.

Tripura SC welfare minister Sudhangshu Das took to social media to express his condolences. "I am deeply saddened by the death of a young man in a lightning strike in Kanchanbari. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and extend my heartfelt sympathies to Gautam Roy’s bereaved family," he wrote.