Amid the widespread devastation caused by incessant rains and landslides across North Bengal, a Jadavpur University student, Himadri Purkait, has gone missing in Sukiapokhari, Darjeeling district. His family in Kamarpole, South 24 Parganas, is in deep distress as rescue operations continue in the affected areas.
According to family sources, Himadri, a third-year sociology student, had travelled to Darjeeling on September 22 and reached there on September 26. Passionate about travelling since childhood, he had turned his interest into a profession and was working as a tourist guide at a homestay cottage in Sukiapokhari.
The family last spoke to Himadri around 10 PM on Saturday, when he mentioned that it had started raining heavily and that he was about to sleep in his tent after dinner. Since then, all attempts to contact him have failed. Soon after, reports of a massive landslide in Sukiapokhari surfaced, raising fears about his safety.
His mother, Shukla Purkait, said, “We have been unable to reach his phone since that night and are now anxiously waiting for updates.”
Local administrative officials and public representatives have met the family and assured them that search and rescue efforts are underway.
Meanwhile, the situation in North Bengal remains grim. The death toll has climbed to 28, including three children. Continuous rainfall has led to severe flooding, damaged bridges, submerged roads and swollen rivers such as the Teesta and Balasan, both flowing above danger levels.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived North Bengal on Monday with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.
Also read: Jadavpur University student found dead on campus
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