A drug offender was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Special Court (SADA), Gangtok, on March 20, 2025, under Section 9(1)(c) of the Sikkim Anti Drugs Act (SADA), 2006. The case, which stemmed from Sadar PS Case No. 163/2021, involved the seizure of 722 loose capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon Plus (Tramadol), a banned psychotropic substance, from the accused’s possession.

This conviction underscores Sikkim Police’s steadfast commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. The swift and effective investigation, led by SI Tsheda D. Bhutia (now Police Inspector), adhered to all procedural safeguards under the SADA Act. Key measures included the presence of a Gazetted Officer during the search and seizure, thorough preparation of search and seizure memos, timely forensic examination of the seized contraband, and meticulous documentation ensuring the chain of custody. These efforts culminated in the successful prosecution of the accused.

The Hon’ble Court recognized the legal clarity and diligence demonstrated throughout the investigation, affirming the strength of the case and the professionalism of the officers involved. The accused was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined.

This conviction serves as a strong message to drug traffickers, reinforcing that Sikkim Police will take decisive, legally sound actions to ensure offenders are brought to justice. The department continues its dedication to maintaining a drug-free Sikkim and urges the public to report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

The Principal District & Sessions Court heard the bail application of Samsong Tamang today. The prosecution was represented by Ms. Jyoti Subba, Learned Public Prosecutor, while Shri B.K. Gupta appeared on behalf of the accused.

After considering arguments from both sides, the Hon’ble Court denied bail, marking the second rejection of the accused’s bail plea. An earlier application submitted before the Learned Judicial Magistrate Court had also been declined.

The Sikkim Transport Department has addressed concerns regarding a “wrong AI challan” incident that went viral on social media, emphasizing the reliability of its AI-based challan system. The department explained that the rare glitch was caused by a temporary internet disruption at a junction, which led to the system capturing an incorrect image. However, the error was quickly detected, and the challan was reversed within six seconds, with immediate notifications sent via SMS and WhatsApp.

This isolated incident occurred in the context of a rider without a helmet, but the department stressed that out of 32,000 challans issued, this was the only occurrence of such an error. The glitch was attributed to an unexpected network issue, similar to a computer or phone freeze, and has now been resolved with additional system checks to prevent future issues.

The AI system aims to improve road safety and compliance, detecting issues like outdated documents, fake PUC certificates, and duplicate number plates. The department also highlighted its commitment to ensuring fairness, offering refunds if any challan is proven to be wrong despite valid documents.

In conclusion, the Sikkim Transport Department urged the public to look beyond social media criticisms and recognize the overall success of the system in reducing violations and improving road safety.

Sikkim’s Rajya Sabha MP, DT Lepcha, recently raised a critical demand in Parliament for granting permanent settlement rights to the residents of Jawaharlal Nehru Road (J.N. Road), which stretches from 3rd Mile to Zuluk, along the Indo-Tibetan Border in East Sikkim.

These residents are the descendants of laborers who were settled in 1952 for the construction of the road, formerly known as the Old Silk Road and Gangtok-Nathula Border Road. Over the years, they have played an essential role in India’s national defense and have made significant contributions to the state’s economy, particularly in the fields of tourism and cultural exchange.

These residents have a long history of supporting national security, most notably during the 1962 India-China conflict. They provided crucial logistical support and intelligence during the Nathu-La and Cho-La skirmishes, and their deep knowledge of the terrain remains an asset to India’s defense operations in the strategically important Nathula region. Their loyalty was also evident during the 2017 Doklam standoff, where they supported security operations.

However, despite their vital contributions, these residents live on forest land without legal ownership rights, which has led to ongoing identity challenges. MP DT Lepcha emphasized the urgent need to grant them permanent settlement rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, or another suitable legal framework. He argued that recognizing their rights would honor their sacrifices and contributions, as well as strengthen India’s defense infrastructure in the region, particularly given the growing developments along the border.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim Unit, through its Media Incharge Niren Bhandari, has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for approving ₹555.70 crore in financial assistance for Sikkim.

The funds, sanctioned by a High-Level Committee chaired by Amit Shah, will support disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts in sectors affected by the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023.

BJP Sikkim acknowledged the Central Government’s support, emphasizing that the financial aid will help rebuild the state’s infrastructure, economy, and communities impacted by the disaster. The party also urged proper utilization and monitoring of the funds to ensure transparency and efficiency in reaching the affected people.

Niren Bhandari further stated that the unwavering support from the Central leadership will play a crucial role in the state’s recovery and long-term resilience.