What was supposed to be a joyous celebration of love has turned into a desperate search for survival. Kaushalendra Pratap Singh, 28, and Ankita Singh, 25, a newlywed couple from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, have been missing since May 29 after their car skidded off a landslide-hit highway in Sikkim and plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the raging Teesta River.
A Dream Honeymoon Turns Into a Nightmare
The couple, who tied the knot on May 5, left for their honeymoon in Sikkim on May 24, eager to explore the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Just five days later, their vacation turned into a tragedy when their vehicle, a shared tourist taxi, lost control near Munsithang on the treacherous Lachen-Lachung highway and tumbled down a steep gorge.
Among the 11 people in the car, only two were rescued with injuries. At the same time, the driver, Passang Denu Sherpa, died on impact. The remaining eight, including the UP couple, are still missing, with rescue teams battling harsh weather and dangerous terrain to locate them.
The Desperate Search: A Father’s Relentless Vigil
Sher Bahadur Singh, Kaushalendra’s father, has been camped in Sikkim for over 10 days, refusing to leave until he finds his son and daughter-in-law. In an emotional video appeal, he pleaded with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to intervene and accelerate search operations.
“I won’t return home without them,” Sher Bahadur said, his voice breaking. “We’ve visited the accident site multiple times. None of the recovered belongings belong to my children. I just need them back.”
The rescue mission, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim Police, and local volunteers, has been severely hampered by heavy monsoon rains and landslides, which have made the river currents even more unpredictable.
A Dangerous Highway: Why This Stretch Is Deadly
The Lachen-Lachung highway, where the accident occurred, is notorious for fatal landslides, especially during the monsoon season. Data show that at least 24 deadly accidents have occurred on Sikkim’s highways since 2022, with this stretch being one of the most hazardous.
Local authorities have long warned tourists about the risks of traveling during heavy rains. However, with Sikkim being a top honeymoon destination, many still take the chance.
“The roads here turn into death traps during monsoon,” said a spokesperson from the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) 10. “Landslides can happen in seconds, and the Teesta’s currents are merciless.”
The Other Victims: Families Awaiting Closure
The missing tourists include:
- Ajit Kumar Nayak, Sunita Nayak, Sahil Jena, and Itishri Jena (from Odisha)
- Debjyoti Joy Dev and Swapnanil Deb (from Tripura)
Their families, like Sher Bahadur’s, are clinging to hope, but as days pass, the chances of survival grow slimmer.
What’s Next? The Race Against Time and Nature
Rescuers are using drones, sonar equipment, and deep-water divers, but the Teesta’s violent flow has made recovery nearly impossible. Officials say the car may have been swept kilometers downstream, buried under debris, or submerged in deep pools.
The Indian Army has also been called in to assist, but with more rain forecasted, the operation remains perilous.
Travel Safety Alert: How to Stay Safe in the Himalayas
If you’re planning a trip to hilly regions like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, or Himachal, follow these precautions:
- Avoid monsoon travel (June-September) when landslides are frequent.
- Check weather alerts before heading out.
- Utilize experienced local drivers who are familiar with mountain roads.
- Always wear seatbelts—many accidents occur due to sharp turns.
- Share your live location with family throughout your journey.
How You Can Help
Sher Bahadur Singh has urged the public to share his appeal using the hashtag #FindUPSikkimCouple to keep the search efforts alive. Donations to the Sikkim Disaster Relief Fund can also support rescue operations.
Conclusion: A Community’s Hope Amidst Grief
As rescue teams push forward, locals have been providing food and shelter to the grieving families. The story of Kaushalendra and Ankita has shaken the nation, a heartbreaking reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
For now, all anyone can do is hope for a miracle and pray that the Teesta River gives back what it has taken.
