07/06/2026
Under the direction of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), and on behalf of Government and the people of Sikkim, Political Secretaries Shri Jacob Khaling and Shri Bikash Basnet alongwith Shri Azad Bhutia (OSD) and Shri Lazang Bhutia (OSD to MLA, Kabi Lungchok Constituency) to pay final respects and convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the four victims who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate NH-10 incident. The officials paid their tributes at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Siliguri, where the post-mortem examinations were conducted before the mortal remains were handed over to the families for their final journey back to Sikkim.
The tragic incident involved vehicle SK 01 PC 9872, which went missing on the evening of 5th June 2026 while travelling along NH-10 towards Siliguri. Following an extensive search operation by the NDRF, West Bengal Police, West Bengal Traffic Police and local volunteers, parts of the vehicle were initially discovered near a landslide-prone stretch along the highway. Subsequent search efforts led to the recovery of the vehicle from the depths of the River Teesta, where it had reportedly plunged after meeting with an accident.
The deceased have been identified as Miss Smarika Neopaney (28 years), Mr. Shaibya Neopaney (27 years), Mrs. Tika Dahal (27 years) and Miss Ditya Chettri (5 years), all residents of Lingdok, Kabi Lungchok Constituency. Their untimely demise has sent shockwaves across the constituency and the state, leaving family members, friends and well-wishers in deep mourning.
Following the completion of legal formalities and post-mortem examinations, the mortal remains were received by their family members and relatives in Siliguri and subsequently transported to Sikkim for the last rites.
Siliguri MLA and Minister of the Government of West Bengal, Shri Shankar Ghosh, also visited the mortuary unit and personally consulted with the medical authorities and concerned officials to ensure that all necessary formalities were completed expeditiously. He expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families. Shri Shanker Ghosh also held a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), conveying his condolences and assuring all possible assistance and cooperation in facilitating the process.
Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives, the Chief Minister, the Government and the people of Sikkim conveyed their deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. Prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for strength and courage to the families to bear this irreparable loss.
