A devastating accident in North Sikkim has left a family and authorities reeling after a vehicle carrying 11 tourists lost control and plunged into the turbulent waters of the Teesta River on Thursday night, May 29, 2025, around 8:00 PM.
The group, hailing from Odisha, had set out for a leisure trip to explore the scenic valleys of Sikkim, but the journey turned tragic on their return from Lachung Valley.
Among the missing are Itishree Jena, a prominent BJP State Mahila Morcha Secretary and senior women’s leader from Odisha’s Korei constituency, her 21-year-old son Sahil, her brother Ajit Nayak (45), and her sister-in-law Sunita (42). Two days after the incident, rescue teams, including the Sikkim ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) and BSF (Border Security Force) jawans, have failed to locate the missing individuals, hampered by the river’s ferocious currents.
The ill-fated vehicle, carrying Itishree, her son, brother, and sister-in-law, lost balance on a treacherous road and plummeted thousands of feet into the Teesta River. Despite exhaustive efforts, the rescue teams have been unable to retrieve the vehicle to the shore, with the raging waters proving an insurmountable challenge. The vehicle has been secured with an iron chain, but rescuers confirmed no one was found inside, raising fears that the powerful current may have swept the missing persons far downstream, possibly toward the Bangladesh border, as speculated by BSF personnel assisting in the operation.
Rescue Efforts Halted, Families in Despair
The Sikkim ODRAF team, supported by BSF jawans, launched a rigorous search for the missing tourists from Odisha and West Bengal but met with failure. Overwhelmed by the relentless flow of the Teesta River, the rescue teams have signalled defeat, suspending operations and expressing their helplessness.
The administration in Sikkim has made arrangements for the return of surviving family members, with Itishree’s two elder sisters, Manjulata Deo and Jharana Mahapatra, along with her two daughters, Shruti and Sweta, preparing to head back home on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in a state of grief and disappointment.
Meanwhile, two senior officials from the Odisha government are stationed in Sikkim, monitoring the situation closely. The state government of Sikkim has ensured all necessary support for the returning family members, but the suspension of rescue efforts has left little hope for the recovery of the missing.
Survivors Battle Injuries, Hope for Recovery
Among the survivors, Itishree’s younger son, Sairaj (17), and the only son of Ajit and Sunita, Swayam Supratim, sustained serious injuries in the crash. Both are undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Sikkim, with doctors noting rapid progress in their condition. However, young Swayam requires surgery for head and leg injuries and may be transferred to Siliguri for advanced care, according to Itishree’s elder brother, Shishir Kumar Nayak, who remains in Sikkim to oversee the treatment. Shishir has vowed to stay until the two children are stable and able to return home.
A Family Trip Turned Tragic
The tragedy unfolded after a group of 11 family members, including Itishree and her elder brother Shishir, embarked on a trip to Sikkim last Sunday night. Their itinerary included a visit to the picturesque Lachung Valley in North Sikkim. While returning from Lachung and heading toward Laching Valley, the vehicle carrying Itishree, her two sons, nephew, and brother and sister-in-law met with disaster. The loss of balance on the precarious mountain road sent the car crashing into the Teesta River below, shattering the family’s joyful excursion.
Public Outcry and Fading Hope
As news of the tragedy spread, it sparked widespread outrage and sorrow among the public, with many expressing frustration over the stalled rescue efforts. The failure to locate Itishree, Sahil, Ajit, and Sunita has dimmed hopes, with the river’s relentless current complicating the search. Authorities and rescue teams have exhausted all options, but the outcome remains bleak.
Shishir Kumar Nayak, grappling with the loss of his younger sister and other family members, remains steadfast in Sikkim, holding onto hope for the recovery of the injured children.
The Teesta River tragedy has cast a shadow over the region, leaving a family broken and a community in mourning as they await any sign of the missing loved ones.
