At least 23 bovines, including seven cows, 10 bullocks and six calves, perished in lightning on Wednesday while they were grazing at Balibahal village under Nagira panchayat of Pallahara Block.
According to sources, the lightning struck at the bovines at 2 pm during rain when they were grazing in an open filed with the cowman.
About 10 affected villagers demanded compensation before the Sub-Collector, Pallahara and the Block Veterinary Officer. Sub-Collector Ajit Pradhan directed to the Veterinary Officer to make an on-the-spot assessment.
Meanwhile, BVO Jitendra Kumar Pradhan with staff went to the spot and made postmortem of the deceased animals.