Ongoing search and rescue operation for missing tourist at Thangshing in Sikkim

The Sikkim Police, in collaboration with various partner agencies, are actively engaged in a search and rescue mission for Sandeepan Roy, a 31-year-old tourist from Darjeeling, who has been missing near Thangshing along the Goechala trekking route. Roy, a resident of Baramohan Singh, Indra Pally, Kadamtala, was trekking with a group of six Indian tourists and a local guide, Sanchaman Subba, when he went unaccounted for on April 21, 2025.

The group had embarked on their trek towards Goechala on April 19, with the arrangements made by tour operator Mr. Basanta Subba of Smile Sikkim, Yuksam. However, upon reaching Thangshing on the evening of April 21, it was discovered that Mr. Roy had gone missing. Despite initial search efforts by the group, the whereabouts of Mr. Roy remain unknown.

Due to poor network connectivity in the area, communication with the trekking group was delayed, hampering the immediate response. Following this, a dedicated Search and Rescue Team was deployed on April 23, 2025, to locate the missing tourist. The search is still ongoing, with no success in locating Mr. Roy as of today.

The initial Search and Rescue Team included personnel from the police and forest departments, along with local volunteers. The team comprised:

Police: Rikesh Subba, Ashok Kr. Subba

Forest Department: Lodey Tshering Bhutia, Tenzing Lepcha, Mangal Man Limboo, Gopal Limboo

Local Volunteers: Gambir Man Limboo, Sancha Man Subba, Iksha Hang Subba, Namphu Hang Subba, Manoj Subba, Biren Chettri, Yonchok Subba, Roshan Subba

The guardians of Roy have been informed and are currently stationed at Yuksam, awaiting further updates. As the search continues, additional resources have been mobilized. An official requisition has been sent to the Commandant of the 72nd Battalion, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), for immediate deployment of additional SSB personnel and coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

A fresh search and rescue team, comprising eight SSB jawans, four NDRF personnel, two policemen from Yuksam OP, four yaks, two porters, and one cook, has proceeded towards Thangshing on April 30, 2025. A reserve contingent of 12 SSB jawans, under the supervision of a Deputy Commandant, has been stationed at Yuksam for emergency support.

Due to the challenging terrain and limited communication, the teams have been equipped with satellite phones and Very High Frequency (VHF) wireless sets to ensure effective communication throughout the operation.

Thangshing is located approximately a two-day trek from Yuksam, with the customary halt at Tshoka. The entire operation is being closely supervised by Mr. Tshering Sherpa, Superintendent of Police, Gyalshing District, to ensure that all measures are taken systematically and efficiently.