Stray shrapnel kills fisherman in DRDO testing range in Chandipur; 1 injured

A fisherman was killed after getting hit by a stray shrapnel in the testing range of Defence Research and Development Organisation in Balasore’s Chandipur on Wednesday. One other fisherman was reported to be injured in the same event.

The deceased has been identified as Kamalakanta Majhi, the owner of the boat.

As per reports, seven fishermen went into the sea near Chandipur to catch fish. However, after some time, the boat strayed into the prohibited area of the DRDO testing range where the defence organization was conducting an ammunition test. Majhi and his associate were hit by shrapnel and were rushed to the Balasore DHH where the doctors declared Majhi dead.

His associate is currently under treatment at the hospital. Other five fishermen in the boat are said to be safe.

Panchanan Majhi, a local fisherman, said, “They were fishing in the sea when a loud explosion was heard nearby. He was hit by a shrapnel on his chest and bled to death. Another person was also hit, but he managed to survive.”

No comments could be obtained from DRDO officials in this connection.