Gangtok: A two-day search operation involving multiple agencies ended in tragedy after four Sikkim residents, including a five-year-old child, were found dead inside a vehicle recovered from the Teesta River along National Highway-10.
The deceased have been identified as Smarika Neopaney (28), Shaibya Neopaney (27), Tika Dahal (27), and Ditya Chettri (5), all residents of Lingdok under Kabi Lungchok constituency in Gangtok district.
The family was travelling from Gangtok to Siliguri in a black Tata Nexon on June 5 when they went missing. Concern grew after relatives lost contact with them, with their last known communication reportedly originating from the Rambi area that afternoon.
An extensive search operation was subsequently launched involving personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), West Bengal Police, West Bengal Traffic Police, local administration officials and volunteers.
Search efforts focused on the Sevok–Baghpool stretch of NH-10, where heavy runoff from a seasonal stream had triggered a mudslide and disrupted traffic on the day the family disappeared.
Investigators reportedly traced the last mobile phone location to the same area. During the search, vehicle parts and debris believed to be linked to the missing Tata Nexon were recovered, prompting authorities to intensify operations along the river corridor.
After sustained efforts, rescue teams located the vehicle submerged in the Teesta River. Retrieval operations were briefly suspended on the night of June 6 due to darkness and difficult river conditions before resuming early the following morning.
The vehicle was subsequently recovered, and all four occupants were found dead inside. Authorities believe the vehicle plunged into the river after meeting with an accident along the highway.
The bodies were taken to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri, where post-mortem examinations were conducted. Following the completion of legal formalities, the mortal remains were handed over to family members and transported to Sikkim for the last rites.
Siliguri MLA and West Bengal Minister Shankar Ghosh visited the mortuary and consulted with medical authorities and officials to ensure procedures were completed without delay.
He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and reportedly held a telephonic conversation with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, assuring all possible assistance and cooperation.
The Chief Minister, the Government of Sikkim and people across the state expressed profound grief over the tragedy. Condolences poured in from various quarters as residents mourned the untimely loss of the four lives.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over safety along the vulnerable NH-10 corridor, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, landslides and road instability. Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the circumstances leading to the accident.
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