07/06/2026
UPDATE | Missing Sikkim Family's Tata Nexon Traced in Teesta Basin; Search Operation to Resume Sunday Morning
Gangtok/Siliguri, June 6: In a major development in the ongoing search for the missing family from East Sikkim, the black Tata Nexon (SK 01 PC 9872) carrying four occupants has been traced in the Teesta river basin along NH-10.
A joint search and rescue operation involving the SDRF, NDRF, West Bengal Police, Teesta River Rescue Team, and relatives from Lingdok, Gangtok, continued until around 7 PM on Saturday. The operation will resume early Sunday morning.
Earlier during the search, rescuers had recovered vehicle debris, including the battery and bumper, which provided crucial leads to investigators.
The family had gone missing on Friday while travelling from Gangtok to Siliguri. They were reportedly last in contact near the Rambhi area before communication was lost.
The missing persons have been identified as:
• Mr. Sabiya Neupaney – Junior Engineer, Culture Department, Government of Sikkim
• Miss Smarika Neupaney – Nursing Lecturer, Sochyagang Nursing College , STNM Hospital
• Mrs. Tika Maya Dahal – Staff, Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim
• Miss Ditiya Chettri – Minor daughter
According to information provided by relatives from Lingdok, all four family members were travelling together in the vehicle when the incident occurred.
Authorities and family members continue to hope for a positive outcome as the search operation enters a critical phase.
(Details based on information received from relatives from Lingdok, Gangtok.)
