Four family members found dead after car plunges into Teesta River in Sikkim

New Delhi ( The Indian View team) : A massive multi-agency search operation ended in tragedy on June 7 after rescuers recovered the bodies of four members of a Sikkim family from a Tata Nexon that had plunged into the Teesta River while travelling along National Highway-10.

The victims were identified as Smarika Neopaney (28), Shaibya Neopaney (27), Jika Dahal (27), and five-year-old Ditya Chettri. All four were found inside the vehicle on the morning of June 7.

The family, residents of Lingdok in Kabi Lungchok, East Sikkim, had left Gangtok for Siliguri on June 5 to visit relatives undergoing medical treatment. According to reports, the last contact with the family was made between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm near the Rambi area on NH-10 before communication was abruptly lost.

Concerned relatives reported the family missing on June 6, triggering a large-scale search operation. Local leaders coordinated efforts with authorities, while support was also sought from Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and social worker Vikram Rai.

Search teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Disaster Response Force (SDRF), West Bengal Police, West Bengal Traffic Police, the Teesta River Rescue Team and local volunteers combed the area along the highway and river basin.