Gajapati: A tourist who had gone missing during a thunderstorm at the Mahendragiri hill in Odisha's Gajapati district on Sunday was found dead on Monday morning, with initial reports suggesting death due to a lightning strike.

The deceased has been identified as Binod Jena of Olatpur village under Niali block in Cuttack district.

According to reports, Binod, along with three friends, had travelled to Paralakhemundi and visited a relative’s house. After lunch, the group hired a car and proceeded to Mahendragiri for sightseeing.

While trekking uphill from Arjuna Cave towards Bhima Temple, the group was caught in the thunderstorm. To take shelter, three of them entered the Bhima Temple, while Binod reportedly ran downhill.

After the rain subsided, the three friends began searching for Binod but failed to locate him. They then informed forest department personnel stationed at a nearby watchtower and resort. A search operation was carried out across the Bhima Temple area.

As the initial search yielded no results, assistance from the Garabandha police was sought. Police and forest officials from Ramgiri Range continued the search operation late into the night.

The body was finally recovered early this morning from the route leading to Bhima Temple. Authorities suspect that Binod may have died due to a lightning strike during the storm.

Further investigation is underway to confirm the exact cause of death.