Ranchi, Jan. 20: An unexpected hailstorm yesterday injured seven persons and damaged several mud houses in villages near Nagri and Pithoria.

Strong winds started blowing around 8 pm in Kanke. The winds turned into a hailstorm which lasted for a couple of minutes causing maximum damage in the villages. The hailstorm also destroyed potato, radish and cauliflower crops in the area.

People were taken by surprise as the storm gathered force and roofs collapsed with people inside.

Villagers of Pithoria blocked the main road and demanded compensation from the government. The demonstrators were pacified by local police and the Pithoria block officer.

Relief and rehabilitation commissioner Sajal Chakravorty said the government is waiting for a report from the deputy commissioner to assess the extent of damage.

“We will analyse the damage and then chalk out a relief package for those who have been affected,” he said.

Cong official showcaused: The Jharkhand State Congress Committee has showcaused Karma Oraon, state executive committee member and Ranchi University post-graduate anthropology teacher, for protesting against the proposed party membership of additional director general of police Rameshwar Oraon.

Party spokesperson S.K. Sinha has issued a showcause to Karma Oraon demanding an explanation for his reported statement in the press saying “fielding Rameshwar Oraon as Congress candidate shows the party’s mental bankruptcy”. Party sources have accused Karma Oraon of being involved in anti-party activities earlier too.