Where a newly married couple from Uttar Pradesh has gone missing during their trip. The couple, identified as Ankit Verma (28) and Ritu Verma (25), were last seen near the Tsongmo Lake area on Monday afternoon.
According to local authorities, the duo had arrived in Gangtok just three days ago as part of their post-wedding vacation. However, extreme weather conditions, including sudden landslides and heavy rainfall, may have played a role in their disappearance.
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Disappearance During Scenic Excursion
The honeymoon tragedy unfolded when the couple hired a local vehicle to explore popular tourist spots near Tsongmo Lake and Baba Mandir. Witnesses say they left their hotel around 10 a.m. on June 9 and never returned.
The tour operator who arranged their permit alerted the police when they failed to report back by evening. Authorities immediately launched a search operation, fearing they might have been caught in a landslide or gone off-track in the rugged terrain.
Swift Search and Rescue Efforts Begin
Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), along with Indian Army units, began intensive search operations the next morning. Using drones and sniffer dogs, teams are scanning high-altitude zones around Tsongmo and the Nathu La region.
Bad weather has hampered efforts, though search parties remain active. The Army spokesperson said, “We are prioritizing the rescue of all missing individuals. The area is prone to frequent landslides during this season.”
Local residents and volunteers are also supporting the rescue teams. Helicopters have been kept on standby, though poor visibility has restricted air movement for now.
Family Appeals for Help in Honeymoon Tragedy
Back in Uttar Pradesh, the families of Ankit and Ritu are devastated. Speaking to the media, Ankit’s father pleaded with the government: “This honeymoon tragedy has shattered us. We request Sikkim and central authorities to intensify search operations.”
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office has reached out to the Sikkim administration and assured the family of full cooperation. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs are also monitoring the situation closely.
A special liaison officer from the UP government is expected to reach Gangtok to assist the family and ensure fast communication.
Second Honeymoon Tragedy in a Month
Shockingly, this is the second honeymoon tragedy reported from a northeastern state in just one month. In late May, a couple from Maharashtra drowned in Arunachal Pradesh while attempting a river trek.
These incidents raise concerns over tourist safety and the need for better weather advisories and monitoring in sensitive high-altitude zones. Sikkim, although breathtaking, has difficult terrain that can turn dangerous, especially during the monsoon season.
Experts have urged tourists to follow advisories, avoid venturing off-road, and always register their itineraries with local guides or tour operators.
Hope Remains Amid Search
Despite the odds, officials are hopeful that the couple may still be alive and possibly stranded. With no clear sign of injury or wreckage, search teams believe that rescue is still possible.
The police have released their photographs to nearby villages and outposts in case someone has seen them or offered shelter. Teams are combing forests, cliffsides, and nearby valleys. Local guides have joined the effort, given their experience in navigating the terrain.
Government Plans Tighter Guidelines
As the search continues, the Sikkim government is considering issuing stricter tourist guidelines. These may include limits on travel during bad weather, mandatory tracking devices for visitors in sensitive zones, and trained local escorts for remote excursions.
This honeymoon tragedy has again highlighted the need for improved safety mechanisms for tourists in ecologically fragile regions. Officials believe proactive planning can reduce such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
The disappearance of a newly married couple from Uttar Pradesh has turned a joyful vacation into a nightmare. This honeymoon tragedy has not only shaken their families but also raised urgent questions about tourist safety in Sikkim.
As search operations enter the third day, hope remains that Ankit and Ritu will be found safe. The incident serves as a grim reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of careful planning while visiting such majestic but risky terrains.
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