Sikkim, India ( Newshub desk)– A heart-wrenching accident in North Sikkim has left a family and authorities struggling to cope after a vehicle carrying 11 tourists from Odisha plunged into the raging waters of the Teesta River on May 29, 2025.
Four people remain missing, including Itishree Jena, a prominent BJP leader, her son Sahil, her brother Ajit Nayak, and her sister-in-law Sunita.
Despite exhaustive search efforts by rescue teams, including Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, the treacherous currents have hampered recovery.
The vehicle was secured with an iron chain, but the passengers were not found inside, raising concerns that they may have been carried further downstream.
Heavy rainfall in Mangan, Sikkim, has worsened the crisis, triggering landslides that have halted all search operations. The region’s worsening weather conditions have made rescue efforts nearly impossible, forcing authorities to suspend operations indefinitely.
Families of the missing individuals are left in despair, as hopes dwindle with each passing hour.
Meanwhile, surviving family members, including Itishree’s two daughters, Shruti and Sweta, are preparing to return home, accompanied by Odisha government officials stationed in Sikkim to provide support.
Two young survivors, Sairaj (17) and Swayam Supratim, remain hospitalised with serious injuries, with medical teams monitoring their condition.
Public frustration has mounted as rescue efforts falter, leaving families shattered and communities grieving. The tragedy has sparked widespread sorrow and concern over the safety of travellers in mountainous regions.
Odisha mourns its lost members, and the search for answers continues.
