Officials stated that lightning strikes killed at least 20 people and injured three others in different sections of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Monday.

The deaths were recorded in three different districts across the state.

"Lightning strikes killed nine people in Murshidabad, nine more in Hooghly, and two more in Purba Medinipur district," a disaster management official said.

“Three people were also hurt in the Murshidabad district due to lightning strikes.”

The injured were sent to a local hospital, according to officials.

The state's capital city, Kolkata, was hit by heavy rains followed by thunderstorms and lightning, according to meteorological department authorities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences for the deaths caused by lightning in portions of West Bengal and has granted financial assistance for the victims.