Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister for Urban Development Department (UDD), led an inspection drive in Namchi town to assess business compliance, encroachments, and sanitation standards. The initiative aimed to enforce urban regulations and ensure a cleaner, well-organized town.

Accompanied by MLA Satish Chandra Rai (11-Namchi Singhithang), UDD Secretary Yogita Rai, and other officials, the minister inspected shops, residential areas, and public spaces. Businesses operating without valid permits were shut down, and encroachers were served notices to vacate unauthorized spaces within 15 days. Unauthorized hawker stalls at Namchi Plaza were also cleared.

The inspection extended to Kazitar Children Park, the Food & Civil Supplies Department, and the SNT Department, where the team interacted with staff and reviewed facilities. Sanitation conditions in various parts of the town were also assessed.

Authorities emphasized that these measures aim to maintain urban order and improve public infrastructure in Namchi.

The Sikkim Judicial Academy, in collaboration with the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, organized a one-day orientation programme on “Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Drug Addiction: Prevention and Intervention” at its premises in Gangtok. The event aimed to raise awareness and provide insights into mental health challenges, suicide prevention, and drug addiction among judicial officers, government stakeholders, advocates, and students.

The programme featured Dr. Satyajit Ash, Consulting Psychiatrist from Kolkata, and Professor Sujit Sarkhel, Head of the Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, as resource persons. They addressed critical issues such as Sikkim’s high suicide rate and the growing concern of substance abuse in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim highlighted the complexities of suicide laws and the need to balance decriminalization with accountability. He also emphasized the importance of responsible media reporting on suicides and urged media houses to act with sensitivity.

The resource persons provided valuable insights into suicide prevention, including early warning signs, first-aid techniques, and the role of social engagement in intervention. They also explained how drug addiction affects the brain, the risk factors such as family conflict and peer pressure, and the importance of professional help in rehabilitation.

The programme underscored the critical role of healthcare professionals, NGOs, and the media in tackling these pressing social issues and promoting mental well-being in Sikkim.

An accident occurred near 11th Mile, Gom Bridge, in Majhitar, where a truck carrying scrap materials from Jorethang to Siliguri veered off the road and plunged 300 feet into the Rangit River, resulting in the death of the driver.

According to police reports, the incident took place around 9:30 PM. A police patrol team from Majhitar Outpost, led by Head Constable Rajan Chettri, heard an unusual sound while patrolling along the Jorethang-Melli Road. Upon reaching the site, they noticed lights below the road and discovered that a truck had fallen into the gorge.

The vehicle, bearing registration number WB73G1658, was swept away by the strong river current. By the time the police arrived, local fishermen had already rescued the driver from the riverbank. However, the driver, identified as Bittu Das from Siliguri, had succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that he was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident. 

A Maruti Wagon R taxi traveling from Chakung to Gangtok met with an accident on Zoom Road, injuring six people, including the driver and passengers.

According to reports, the vehicle lost control, hitting two pedestrians before plunging 15 feet off the road. The injured individuals were immediately rushed to CHC Jorethang for medical treatment.

Local authorities and police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. 

A 23-year-old man has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences POCSO Act after a 17-year-old girl tested positive for pregnancy at Singtam District Hospital.

According to reports, the minor, who is pursuing a computer course, had been in a relationship with the accused for the past two years. Upon confirmation of her pregnancy, an investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of the youth.

Police have registered a zero FIR, which has been forwarded to Rangpo Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the minor.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off 13 newly acquired fire tenders at Ridge Park, Gangtok, in a ceremony attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary R Telang, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, and Director of Fire Services Khilbarna Gurung.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister lauded the Fire Services Department for strengthening its fleet and stressed the importance of an active and well-equipped police force in ensuring law and order. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing policing standards and announced two new funding initiatives: the Special Investigation Fund and the Special Traffic Management Fund, aimed at improving operational efficiency.

The Chief Minister also underscored the role of sports in police welfare, proposing that the Sikkim Police football team represent the state during the Golden Jubilee celebrations, with additional funding allocated for the team’s development. He suggested hiring a technical team to manage the team, allowing players to focus on high-profile tournaments.

Highlighting the collaborative effort behind the procurement of the fire tenders, the CM credited funding from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and the 15th Finance Commission. He urged the Fire Services Department to continue improving public service during emergencies, emphasizing the vital role of the Police Department in maintaining social stability.

DGP Akshay Sachdeva welcomed the addition of the 13 fire tenders, noting that they replace an aging fleet. He praised the department’s role in disaster response and fire management, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing training programs and adopting modern techniques. He also announced the construction of two new fire stations at Jalipool and Meli to strengthen fire safety infrastructure across Sikkim.

The event featured a fire drill demonstration by the Fire Services and SDRF personnel, along with a newly updated fire anthem reflecting the local context. Following religious observances, the newly commissioned fire tenders were officially inducted into service.

Earlier, Fire Services Director Khilbarna Gurung presented a technical report on the department’s progress, while Additional Chief Fire Officer Indra Kumar Rai delivered the vote of thanks, marking the conclusion of the event.

Bharat Basnet has resigned from the Citizen Action Party, stating that repeated verbal attacks on Sikkim by the party’s leadership left him emotionally distressed.

In his resignation letter, Basnet expressed disappointment over remarks made against the state and said they compelled him to step down.

He also issued an apology to party members for any inconvenience his resignation might have caused. His exit raises questions about internal disagreements within the party.