A tragic incident struck North Sikkim on May 29, when a Meghalaya couple went missing after their tourist vehicle plunged into the Teesta River during their honeymoon trip. Kaushalendra and Ankita, the newlyweds from Meghalaya, had been part of a group of 11 travelers heading to Lachung.
As of June 12, the couple remains untraceable, and search efforts by rescue teams continue without success.
How the Meghalaya Couple Went Missing in Sikkim
The vehicle was traveling on a rain-slicked road near Mangan district when it lost control and tumbled nearly 1,000 feet into the river below. Heavy rainfall and poor visibility were reported at the time. Of the 11 passengers, two were rescued, one body was found, and eight—including the missing Meghalaya couple—have not yet been located.
Search Continues for Meghalaya Couple Missing in Teesta
A coordinated search mission led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, and ITBP has been underway since the day of the accident. Teams are using drones, sonar technology, and riverbank sweeps to trace any sign of the victims.
Rough terrain and rising water levels have slowed the operation. Still, authorities insist they won’t stop until all victims are found.
You can follow updates on the NDRF official website.
Family’s Plea and Public Reaction
The families of the missing Meghalaya couple have arrived in Sikkim, urging authorities not to scale down the rescue mission. “We came for closure, not silence,” said a relative, visibly distressed. Heartbroken, they’ve urged both state governments to keep the mission going until closure is achieved.
In Shillong, Tura, and Jowai, residents have held candlelight vigils. The tragedy has raised new questions about safety measures for tourists in hilly terrains, especially during the monsoon.
Government Response and Travel Warnings
The governments of both Sikkim and Meghalaya have pledged full support. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma personally contacted the Sikkim government to ensure the search would continue without interruption.
In light of this Meghalaya couple missing after Teesta River accident, the Sikkim administration has committed to reinforcing safety measures on key tourist routes and installing more warning signage in high-risk zones.
Travelers can now access real-time alerts via the India Meteorological Department.
Safety Lessons from the Meghalaya Couple Missing Case
The Meghalaya couple missing in the Teesta tragedy has brought to light the need for more proactive safety systems. Officials are calling for:
- Enhanced barriers on dangerous mountain roads
- Mandatory GPS tracking for tourist vehicles
- Emergency awareness training for drivers and guides
These measures could prevent future disasters and offer better response in emergencies.
Two Bodies Found—Are They Related?
Recently, two unidentified bodies were recovered downstream in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. Authorities are conducting DNA tests to check whether they belong to the missing passengers, including the couple. Officials urge locals along the Teesta River to report any findings that may assist the operation.
Meanwhile, families of the Meghalaya couple remain hopeful, and rescue workers remain persistent.
The Search Goes On
As of June 12, the Meghalaya couple remains missing, and no conclusive evidence has surfaced. Search teams continue working tirelessly. Families are waiting, and the public is watching, hoping for answers soon.
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