Search ends in tragedy as missing Sikkim family found dead in Teesta River

GANGTOK,: Four members of a family from Lingdok, East Sikkim, who had been missing since Friday evening, were tragically found dead inside their vehicle after it was recovered from the Teesta River near Coronation Bridge on Sunday.

Authorities and rescue personnel had been searching for the missing vehicle and its occupants along the Teesta River since the incident occurred. It is suspected that the vehicle was swept into the river by mud and debris triggered by a landslide near Coronation Bridge on NH-10.

The victims - three adults and a child - were travelling from Gangtok to Siliguri. Their last known contact was established near Rambi along NH-10. Thereafter, all communication was lost, prompting concern and a search operation.

On Sunday, rescue personnel, assisted by local authorities, recovered the ill-fated vehicle from the river with the bodies of the four occupants inside.

The deceased have been identified as Samrika Neupaney (29), her 27-year-old brother Saibya Neupaney, Tika Dahal (27), and her five-year-old daughter.

According to the rescue team, the vehicle had been located late on Saturday evening, but could not be retrieved due to difficult conditions. The recovery operation was subsequently carried out on Sunday morning.

Personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, district administration and the Teesta-Rangeet Rescue Team were involved in the search and recovery operation.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay has expressed grief over the tragic loss of the four residents of Lingdok under the Kabi-Lungchok constituency, who lost their lives in the incident.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this time of immense grief. May they find strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss, and may the departed souls rest in eternal peace,” said the Chief Minister.

Golay expressed that this tragic incident is a painful reminder of the risks associated with travel during the monsoon season.

“I urge everyone to exercise utmost caution, avoid travel if not necessary, stay informed about weather and road conditions, and strictly follow safety advisories issued by authorities. A little extra care can help prevent such heartbreaking losses and ensure the safety of our loved ones,” said the Chief Minister.

On late Sunday, the bodies of the victims were handed over to the families after post-mortem formalities were completed at the North Bengal Medical College & Hospital, Siliguri.

As directed by the Chief Minister, political secretaries Jacob Khaling and Bikash Basnet and others were at the hospital in Siliguri to pay final respects and convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the four victims.

Siliguri MLA-cum-minister Shankar Ghosh also visited the mortuary unit and personally consulted with the medical authorities and concerned officials to ensure that all necessary formalities were completed expeditiously. He expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families, it was informed.

The Chief Minister has expressed his sincere gratitude to the West Bengal government, West Bengal Police and Traffic Police, NDRF, TRRC, social workers, and local residents for their tireless efforts and support during the search and rescue operation.