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.

Two Chinese-origin US nationals were deported twice from Sikkim after illegally entering the state without the mandatory Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clearance. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and Sikkim Police swiftly acted against the violation, underscoring the need for tighter border security.

The duo, a 56-year-old woman and 31-year-old Tenzin Choeney, were first denied entry at Karma Dolma Rangpo Checkpost on February 14 for failing to produce Prior Reference Category (PRC) approval required for Chinese-origin foreign nationals. They were sent back and proceeded to Kalimpong.

Despite this, on February 20, they illegally re-entered Sikkim by bypassing the Rangpo Checkpost. They stayed with a relative, a teacher at Rumtek Gumpa, and attended the Tibetan Losar festival at Rumtek Monastery.

Upon discovering their unauthorized presence, Sikkim Police and FRRO took immediate action, detaining them at Rangpo Police Station on March 9 before deporting them once again.

While the authorities responded effectively, the incident has exposed serious security lapses at Rangpo Checkpost, raising concerns over intelligence failures. Given Sikkim’s strategic border location, officials have urged vigilance, emphasizing the responsibility of locals in reporting foreign nationals residing without proper documentation.