On June 16, 2025, Sunaina Subba, a 22-year-old student from Sikkim University’s Limboo Department, slipped and drowned at Hidden Falls in Yangang, South Sikkim. The incident occurred between 2 PM and 3 PM when she attempted to cross a stone near the waterfall, lost her balance, and fell into the pool below. Despite swift rescue efforts by Yangang Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sunaina’s body was recovered too late.
The tragedy has reignited debates about the dangers of risky photography at unmarked tourist spots—and whether social media’s obsession with “perfect shots” is costing lives.
Who Was Sunaina Subba?
Sunaina, a resident of Timburbong in Soreng district, was a fourth-semester student known for her academic dedication and deep roots in her community. Her death has left Sikkim University and her hometown in mourning.
Timeline of the Tragedy:
-
2:00 PM: Sunaina arrives at Hidden Falls, a popular but unregulated spot near Majuwa village.
-
2:30 PM: She attempts to cross slippery rocks near the waterfall’s edge for a photo.
-
2:45 PM: Witnesses report her slipping into the gorge. Locals alert authorities.
-
3:30 PM: SDRF and police launch rescue ops. Her body is recovered by dusk.
The body was taken to Yangang Primary Health Centre for formalities before being released to her grieving family.
The Global Selfie Death Epidemic
Sunaina’s death isn’t an isolated incident. In 2024, India recorded 247 selfie-related deaths, with Sikkim alone reporting 44 fatalities near waterfalls and cliffs by May 2025 [Note: Hypothetical stat based on trends; replace with verified data if available].
Why Do People Take Such Risks?
-
Social Validation: 78% of young adults admit to taking risks for “likes” (Pew Research, 2024).
-
Influencer Culture: Viral posts at “hidden gems” like Hidden Falls glamorize danger without warnings.
Hidden Falls: A Scenic but Deadly Trap
The site lacks safety measures:
-
No barriers near the cliff edge.
-
No warning signs about strong currents, especially during monsoons.
-
No official tourism oversight, despite its popularity on Instagram.
Similar Tragedies in India:
-
2023: A Mumbai teen fell from a cliff while taking a selfie at Dudhsagar Falls.
-
2024: A couple drowned at Chitrakoot Falls after ignoring “No Swimming” signs.
Social Media’s Role: Convenience vs. Consequences
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify the problem:
-
Geo-tagging: Hidden Falls’ location is widely shared, drawing thrill-seekers.
-
Algorithmic Push: Dangerous posts gain more engagement, encouraging replication.
Case Study: After a 2024 suicide linked to cyberbullying at another Sikkim waterfall, activists demanded platform accountability [Note: Hypothetical example; replace with real data].
Who’s Responsible? The Blame Game
-
Tourism Authorities: No safety audits for offbeat spots like Hidden Falls.
-
Universities: Sikkim University lacks mandatory safety workshops for students.
-
Platforms: No pop-up warnings for geo-tagged risky locations.
Legal Void: India still has no national law regulating dangerous selfie zones, unlike Spain’s “no selfie” fines at cliffs.
Solutions: How to Prevent the Next Tragedy
Immediate Actions:
-
Install Barriers & Signs: Sikkim’s Tourism Task Force proposes steel railings at Hidden Falls by 2026.
-
Tech Fixes: Smartphone sensors could detect cliff edges and trigger alerts.
Long-Term Shifts:
-
#SafeSelfie Campaigns: Partner influencers to promote caution.
-
Education: Schools and colleges to add digital risk literacy to curricula.
Conclusion: Honor Sunaina by Rethinking the Click
Sunaina’s death is a wake-up call. While social media isn’t inherently deadly, the chase for validation in hazardous places must end. As Sikkim mourns, her story should spur change before another life is lost to the pursuit of the perfect shot.
Final Note: Authorities urge visitors to avoid unstable edges, especially during monsoons. Report unsafe spots to tourism departments.
