Tripura CM intervenes after two youths go missing in Sikkim, Officials in touch with counterpart

Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has intervened after two youths from Kailashahar, Unakoti district, went missing in Sikkim following a devastating accident in which a tourist van plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta River on May 29.

According to a Tripura government official, 11 tourists were on board the ill-fated vehicle, including two youths from Tripura — Debajyoti Deb and Swapnil Deb — who remain untraceable.

"The matter was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, and Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has personally taken cognizance. His Secretary, Dr. P. K. Chakraborty, promptly contacted the Sikkim administration and spoke with K. N. Bhutia, Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, regarding the ongoing rescue efforts," the official said.

In response, Sikkim authorities confirmed that the search operation is being significantly hampered by inclement weather, heavy rainfall, and the strong currents of the Teesta River. Despite these challenges, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remains actively engaged in the rescue operation.

"It has been confirmed that two passengers from Odisha survived the accident. Some broken parts of the van have been retrieved," the official added. Dr. Chakraborty has also reached out to the family of one of the missing youths from Tripura, and both families have since rushed to Sikkim.

Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Majumdar is also closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the NDRF team. As of now, nine individuals — including the two youths from Tripura — are still missing in the tragic incident.

The Tripura government remains in constant coordination with Sikkim officials as rescue and recovery efforts continue.