Nanjangud: In a tragic incident, a farmer and his cow were killed, when lightning struck the tree they were standing under to take shelter from rain in Gattawadipura village in the taluk yesterday.

The deceased has been identified as Shivanna (38), son of Mahadevappa of the village and a farmer.

He leaves behind his wife Shylaja and son Naveen.

Shivanna, who had let his cow for grazing was ploughing the field when heavy rain began to lash at about 3.30 pm. Shivanna, immediately brought his cow and took shelter under a tamarind tree.

But lightning struck the tamarind tree killing Shivanna and his cow on the spot.

Tahsildar Dayanand, who visited the spot, assured Shivanna’s family of providing compensation as per Government’s order.

Kavalande Deputy Tahsildar Krishnamurthy, Kavalande SI M. Shivamadaiah, ASI Nanjundaraje Urs and others visited the spot.