Mahendragiri Hill Tragedy: Tourist Found Dead After Suspected Lightning Strike
A tragic incident unfolded at Mahendragiri hill in Gajapati district, Odisha, where a tourist lost his life during a thunderstorm.
The deceased, identified as Binod Jena from Olatpur village in Cuttack, was trekking uphill with three friends from Arjuna Cave toward Bhima Temple when heavy rain and lightning struck the area.
While his companions took shelter inside Bhima Temple, Binod attempted to run downhill. When he did not return, his friends alerted forest officials.
A joint search operation by the forest department, Garabandha police, and Ramgiri Range officials continued overnight. His body was recovered the next morning along the route to Bhima Temple.
Authorities suspect that a lightning strike caused his death.
The incident underscores the risks of sudden thunderstorms in hilly terrains like Mahendragiri, a site revered for its mythological significance and natural beauty.
