Early on the morning of June 19, 2025, the quiet town of Khadka Bazar in Sikkim’s Soreng district was shaken by a grim discovery. Two lifeless bodies were pulled from the icy waters of Rothok Khola stream, just below the bridge connecting the area to the rest of the district. The victims, Roshan Chhetri, a junior engineer with the Sikkim education department, and Vikas Dhamala (also referred to as Bikash Sharma in some reports), had met a tragic and mysterious end.
Residents alerted police after spotting something unusual near the bridge. By the time authorities arrived, the bodies had already been carried downstream, partially submerged in the fast-moving water. Recovery teams worked quickly to retrieve them, but the questions surrounding their deaths lingered: Was this a tragic accident, or something more sinister?
The Victims: Who Were Roshan and Vikas?
Roshan Chhetri, 34, was a respected government employee, known for his work in improving school infrastructure across Sikkim. A resident of 6th Mile in Gangtok, he was described by colleagues as diligent and well-liked. His sudden death left the education department in shock, with many questioning how such a tragedy could befall someone so careful and responsible.
Vikas Dhamala (or Bikash Sharma, as named in conflicting reports) was a resident of Ogeng, Soreng. Little is known about him, adding to the mystery. Was he a friend of Roshan’s? A local laborer? A tourist passing through? The lack of clarity around his identity has fueled speculation, with some wondering if he was even supposed to be at the bridge that night.
Both bodies were sent for autopsies at Jorethang and Namchi hospitals before being handed over to their grieving families.
The Scene: A Dangerous Bridge with a Troubled History?
The Rothok Khola bridge, where the bodies were found, is not an unfamiliar spot for accidents. Just weeks earlier, on June 5, concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of Phidang Bridge in another part of Sikkim, with locals warning it was on the “verge of collapse”. While Rothok Khola hasn’t been flagged as structurally unsound, the incident raises questions:
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Was the bridge poorly lit? Nighttime visibility in rural Sikkim is often poor, increasing the risk of missteps.
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Were there guardrails? Many older bridges in the region lack proper safety barriers.
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Could the weather have played a role? Monsoon season brings slippery surfaces and swollen rivers.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the bridge’s condition contributed to the deaths.
The Investigation: Accident or Foul Play?
Soreng police were quick to label the incident an “accidental fall,” but they haven’t ruled out foul play. Key gaps in the investigation remain:
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No Witnesses – Despite the tip-off from locals, no one has come forward claiming to have seen the men fall.
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Conflicting Names – Why is Vikas Dhamala also referred to as Bikash Sharma in official statements? Is this a clerical error, or does it hint at a larger oversight?
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Timing of the Incident – When exactly did the men enter the water? Was it late at night or early morning?
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Missing Personal Items – Were their phones, wallets, or other belongings recovered?
Superintendent of Police (Soreng) has assured the public that a “detailed investigation” is underway, but no timeline for answers has been provided.
Broader Concerns: Infrastructure & Safety in Sikkim
This tragedy is not isolated. Just months ago, five tourists from Bengal died when their vehicle skidded off a road in West Sikkim, highlighting the dangers of the region’s rugged terrain and poorly maintained roads.
Key questions now being asked:
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Are Sikkim’s bridges and roads regularly inspected?
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Should warning signs or barriers be installed at risky crossings?
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Do emergency response teams need better training for river rescues?
Families of the victims—and the public—deserve answers.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Tragedies
As the autopsies are analyzed and police piece together the final hours of Roshan Chhetri and Vikas Dhamala, one thing is clear: Sikkim must confront its infrastructure challenges before more lives are lost.
For now, the stream beneath Rothok Khola bridge flows silently—a somber reminder of two men whose stories ended too soon.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
