A major incident of arson at Sandhikendu village, under the Sorda police station limits in Ganjam district, has resulted in the destruction of paddy worth over five lakh rupees.
The fire reportedly broke out late last night across 12 paddy fields. The incident went unnoticed until the morning, when farmers discovered the extensive blaze and immediately alerted the Sorda fire brigade.
Firefighting teams rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames. However, officials estimate that 90% of the standing paddy crop has been reduced to ashes.
Police have launched an investigation into the suspected malicious act that has caused devastating financial losses for the local farming community.