Idol atop hill found damaged after thunderstorm

A Shiva idol installed on a hill in Arjuni Morgaon tehsil in Gondia district was found damaged, possibly by lightning, police said on Friday. The 15-feet-tall idol, made of Plaster of Paris and fiberglass, stands atop Pratapgarh hills.

It was found in half-burnt condition on Friday, with preliminary inspection suggesting that lightning may have struck it. The region witnessed heavy rains and thunderstorm on Friday.

Former Maharashtra Minister Rajkumar Badole visited the spot and appealed people to maintain peace..