On a quiet Sunday in Uppada, tragedy struck without warning. Nooka Raju, a 55-year-old farmer, was inspecting his paddy field in Paatha Isukapalli village when a sudden bolt of lightning ended his life. The skies, often a source of hope for farmers, turned deadly in an instant.

Key facts

  • Victim: Nooka Raju, 55-year-old farmer
  • Location: Paatha Isukapalli village, U. Kothapalli mandal, Kakinada district
  • Date of incident: Sunday, September 6, 2026
  • Activity at time: Inspecting his paddy field

Response and Recovery

The Uppada Kothapalli police swiftly arrived at the scene, recovering Raju's body from the field where he fell. They transported it to Kakinada Government General Hospital for a post-mortem examination, a somber routine that follows such sudden losses.

Official Reaction

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan expressed deep grief upon learning of the incident. He personally inquired about the details and the condition of Raju's family over the phone. With urgency and compassion, he directed Kakinada district officials to initiate ex gratia payments to support the bereaved family.

"Expressing grief over the incident, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan inquired about the incident and directed Kakinada district officials to initiate ex gratia to the members of the deceased's family."

His directive offers a glimmer of tangible support amid the overwhelming shock that now shadows Raju's loved ones and the tight-knit farming community.