Shocking turn in missing person case: Passang Doma Sherpa found dead, Police probe homicide angle

The skeletal remains of Passang Doma Sherpa, a 55-year-old school teacher from Namchi who had been missing for nearly a year, have been recovered from her residence in Siliguri. The discovery, made after months of anxious speculation and fading hopes, has not only reignited sorrow among her family and colleagues but has also raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Passang Doma Sherpa was first reported missing 11 months ago, prompting initial searches by local authorities and desperate pleas from her family for public assistance. Despite multiple leads and a prolonged investigation, the trail went cold—until this week, when Siliguri police were alerted to a foul smell emanating from her house, which had been locked for several months. Upon entering the premises, they found human skeletal remains, now confirmed to be that of Sherpa.

Namchi Police, in coordination with their counterparts in Siliguri, have since taken over key aspects of the case. Superintendent of Police (SP) Namchi has confirmed that a homicide angle is under serious investigation. “There are multiple inconsistencies that raise suspicions. We are working closely with forensic teams and Siliguri authorities to determine if foul play was involved,” the SP said.

A native of Namchi and a beloved teacher by profession, Passang Doma Sherpa had been working in Siliguri and maintained limited but regular contact with friends and family.

“We never believed she simply vanished. She was responsible and dependable,” said a former colleague from Namchi Government School, holding back tears. “She had dedicated her life to her students. This outcome is heartbreaking and raises many unanswered questions.”