A family of four traveling from Sikkim to Siliguri has gone mysteriously missing, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation along the Teesta River. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) recovered the family’s vehicle from the river on Saturday after an extensive day-long operation.
The car, a black Tata Nexon, was found submerged at a depth of approximately 11 feet. However, no trace of the four occupants—three adults and one child—has been found so far.
According to police sources, the family had last contacted their relatives on Friday afternoon while passing through the Rambi area. Since then, all communication ceased, raising alarm among family members.
Authorities suspect that the vehicle may have been swept away due to adverse weather conditions. On Friday afternoon, heavy rainfall led to a sudden surge in mountain streams, particularly in the Velabari stretch between Sevoke and Baghpool. The downpour triggered landslides and falling rocks, damaging sections of National Highway 10 and creating hazardous travel conditions.
Initial fears of a possible accident intensified when search teams discovered a car battery and broken vehicle parts near the suspected site. The last mobile phone location of the missing individuals was also traced to the same area.
A joint search operation involving the Sikkim administration, West Bengal Police, the NDRF, and relatives of the missing family commenced on Saturday.
Due to darkness and the dangerous terrain, the operation was suspended late Saturday night and resumed at 6:00 am on Sunday. Efforts are now focused on thoroughly searching the river and recovering the missing persons. The rescue operation is being led by NDRF Deputy Commandant Sanjay Ranjan, with teams from both Bengal and Sikkim continuing coordinated efforts at the site.
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