Pratapgarh Newlywed Couple Missing in Sikkim

KKN Gurugram Desk | A newlywed couple from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, who had traveled to Sikkim for their honeymoon, has gone missing after their vehicle reportedly plunged into the Teesta River amidst heavy rainfall. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has raised serious concerns and triggered a coordinated search operation by local authorities in Sikkim.

As the mystery deepens surrounding their disappearance, the families of the couple — Kaushalendra and Ankita — are pleading for answers and urging the administration to intensify the rescue efforts.

What We Know So Far

The missing couple, identified as Kaushalendra Singh and his wife Ankita Singh, had recently gotten married and were on a post-wedding vacation in Sikkim, one of India’s most popular honeymoon destinations. According to early reports, their tourist vehicle skidded off a rain-soaked road and fell into the Teesta River — a powerful and often dangerous waterway running through the northeastern state.

The accident occurred amidst torrential rains and landslides, which have been affecting the region since the onset of the monsoon season in early June 2025.

Timeline of Events

Weather Conditions: Heavy Rain Triggers Accidents Across Sikkim

Sikkim has been grappling with continuous heavy rainfall, leading to landslides, road blockages, and waterlogging in many areas. The couple’s disappearance is one of several incidents reported in the region over the past week due to weather-induced accidents.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sikkim is likely to continue receiving moderate to heavy rain over the next few days, making search and rescue operations extremely challenging.

Rescue Efforts: What the Authorities Are Doing

A joint search operation has been launched by:

• Sikkim State Police

• Disaster Response Teams

• Local divers and rescue volunteers

• River patrolling units

The teams are currently scanning the Teesta River’s downstream zones, using drones and underwater cameras where possible. However, the high water levels and strong currents are limiting visibility and complicating recovery efforts.

Local police officials have stated that no bodies or vehicle debris have been recovered so far, which adds to the confusion and fuels multiple theories — from a possible accidental fall to roadside landslide-related vehicle slips.

Family’s Plea: “At Least Tell Us What Happened”

Back home in Pratapgarh, the families of Kaushalendra and Ankita are devastated. They are demanding clearer communication and faster action from authorities.

“It’s been days and we still don’t know what happened to them. If they are gone, we deserve to know. And if there is a chance they’re alive somewhere, we beg the administration to leave no stone unturned,” said a relative of the couple.

The families have also reached out to local MLAs and MPs for intervention and support. Sources say a request has been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for higher-level assistance in the search operation.

No Mobile Signal, No Updates

Adding to the despair, there has been no phone communication from the couple since June 10. Their mobile phones have either gone offline or are out of range, which is further complicating tracking efforts.

Authorities are now checking nearby hotels, resorts, and CCTV footage along key routes to trace the last known movement of the couple. Digital forensics experts are also being consulted to analyze any possible location data from the couple’s mobile devices.

Locals React: “This is Not the First Time”

Residents living near the accident-prone zones along the Teesta River have said that tourist safety in the region is a long-standing issue.

“Every year, people underestimate how dangerous these roads are during the monsoon. The government installs signs, but not enough is done to prevent accidents. Something has to change,” said a local driver from Rangpo.

About the Teesta River

The Teesta River, originating from the Himalayas in Sikkim and flowing through West Bengal and Bangladesh, is known for its rapid current and rocky bed. During the monsoon, it swells to dangerous levels, often leading to flooding and drowning incidents.

Many parts of the river are unfit for rescue diving during peak flow, and recovery of vehicles from its depths is often only possible once the water level recedes.

Honeymoon Turns Into Horror Story

What was meant to be a joyful beginning of a new life has turned into a heart-wrenching mystery. With each passing hour, hope dwindles for the safe return of Kaushalendra and Ankita. The tragedy has also cast a spotlight on the lack of emergency response preparedness in tourism-heavy regions like Sikkim, especially during peak weather hazards.

What Needs to Happen Next

As per experts and local activists, the incident calls for:

• Improved tourist safety protocols in mountainous regions

• Real-time weather alerts for travelers

• Stricter vehicle restrictions during extreme weather

• Dedicated helpline and insurance coverage for tourists

Authorities have promised to continue the search until conclusive evidence is found, but so far, the couple remains missing — and their fate remains unknown.

The Pratapgarh couple missing in Sikkim incident is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in travel during monsoon seasons, especially in high-altitude terrains. As the rescue operation continues, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a miracle.