Amritsar, April 16
Wireless system of the Amritsar police was partially paralysed today when lightning struck malkhana of the Court Complex, near Deputy Commissioner and SSP office, here.The malkhana was damaged in a fire that ensued lightning. It also damaged some adjoining buildings.
The lightening, which happened around 4.30 pm, was so intense that officials and people living in the surrounding areas came out into the open on hearing the thunder.
Though no casualty was reported, some records and weapons stored in the malkhana as case property were partially damaged. However, SP (City) Harmanbir Singh Gill ruled out the possibility of a foul play in the incident.
This is for the first time that lightening with such intensity has hit the city. It is common in the mountainous areas of Himachal Pradesh, especially during monsoon.
The lightening snapped the entire wireless system and in certain cases mobile connectivity.
Interestingly, the lightening disrupted a wireless conversation between the Civil Lines SHO and an SP, which was in progress at that time, on the arrest of certain accused involved in an attempt of dacoity in the local Ranjit Avenue.
A head constable had a narrow escape as he came out just before the buildings got hit by lightning.
The district police has constituted a four-member committee, comprising DSP Lakhbir Singh, Civil Lines SHO, malkhana in-charge and Court Complex in-charge, to assess the damage caused by lightning.
