Teen drowns while swimming, Singtam police recovers body

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : The body of a 14-year-old boy was recovered from a pond near the Rani Khola river belt on the night of March 9. The boy had gone missing from Shantinagar, Singtam, and the body was recovered following a search operation launched by Singtam Police.

According to Sikkim Police, at around 7:30 pm on March 9, Singtam Police Station received a verbal report from a patrol team regarding a missing minor. The information was provided by the guardian of the boy. The family originally hails from Gurasey, Pareng Gaon, Soreng district and was presently residing in Singtam. The guardian informed them that the child had been missing since morning.

Upon receiving the information, Singtam Police immediately initiated a search operation. Beat personnel were directed to conduct a thorough search in and around the Shantinagar locality and the river belt of Rani Khola.

A rescue and search team was subsequently formed under the leadership of SHO Kishor Kumar Chettri. The team included SA Kushal Chettri, personnel of Singtam Police Station, Fire and Emergency Service staff, along with local volunteers and swimmers. The team immediately rushed to the riverside of Rani Khola and launched an intensive search operation.

During the inquiry, local children who were playing near the river belt were questioned. One of the children stated that the missing boy had been seen swimming alone in the river at around 7:30 pm. During the search operation, a pair of slippers believed to belong to the missing child was also recovered near a pond adjacent to the river.

Acting on this lead, SA Kushal Chettri, along with local swimmers, entered the pond, and began a detailed search operation under the supervision of the SHO, and other team members. The boy was eventually located in a pond at a depth of around 10 feet and retrieved.

The child was immediately rushed to District Hospital, Singtam; where the Medical Officer on duty declared him brought dead.

Police have registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case at Singtam Police Station based on the call book intimation. As the incident occurred late in the evening, further legal formalities will be carried out as per due procedure.

Singtam Police expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to remain cautious, especially with minors, around rivers and water bodies.