What should have been a romantic getaway for a newly married couple from Uttar Pradesh turned into a harrowing mystery when they went missing in the mountains of Sikkim. The disappearance has sparked concern, anger, and a renewed call for better safety and accountability in India’s tourist destinations.
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## **The Disappearance**
Kaushalendra Singh and Ankita Singh, a newly married couple from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, went on a honeymoon trip to the scenic northeastern state of Sikkim in late May 2025. They were among seven tourists traveling in a vehicle near Sikkim's **Mangan district** when tragedy struck.
On **May 29**, the tourist vehicle they were in reportedly **skidded off a rain-soaked mountain road** and plunged nearly **1,000 feet into the Teesta River**, one of Sikkim's fiercest water bodies. The accident occurred amid **heavy monsoon rains**, making rescue operations extremely difficult. The **sudden landslide and treacherous road conditions** only worsened the situation.
So far, there has been **no trace of the couple** or the vehicle, even as search operations by the **National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)** and **State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)** continue. The deep gorge, dense forests, and volatile weather make rescue efforts slow and dangerous.
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## **Family’s Plea for Help**
The families of Kaushalendra and Ankita have expressed **deep frustration and anguish** over the slow pace of the search. They have appealed to **central and state authorities**, urging them to intensify rescue efforts and provide **regular updates**.
Relatives believe the couple may still be alive and trapped, and they are **desperate for closure**. “We just want to know what happened to them,” one family member said. "Every minute without news feels like a year. "
This tragedy has not only left families in turmoil but also sparked widespread sympathy and concern across India, especially after a similar case recently occurred in Meghalaya.
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## **A Hauntingly Similar Case: Meghalaya Disappearance**
Just days earlier, a couple from Indore—**Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi**—had vanished in **Meghalaya** while on a honeymoon. The couple was last seen trekking from **Nongriat to Mawlyngbna**, both remote and hilly areas known for their natural beauty.
The incident quickly turned darker when **Raja’s body was found in a gorge** near Weisawdong Falls, and police later discovered that his wife **Sonam had allegedly orchestrated the murder** with the help of accomplices, including a supposed lover. Sonam later **surrendered to UP Police**, and several arrests have been made.
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## **Questions Over Safety in Tourist Spots**
These back-to-back incidents have exposed serious concerns over **tourist safety** in India’s remote regions:
1. **Inadequate road infrastructure** in places like Sikkim and Meghalaya, especially during the monsoon season, has made travel risky.
2. **Delayed emergency response** due to difficult terrain and poor communication networks can mean the difference between life and death.
3. **Lack of official warnings** or advisories for tourists about hazardous routes or unpredictable weather patterns.
Tourism in India’s northeastern states has grown rapidly, but **safety infrastructure has not kept pace**. Many honeymooners and adventure-seekers are unaware of the risks they face in such remote destinations.
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## **Government Response and Rescue Efforts**
Following the Sikkim incident, authorities **deployed teams of rescuers**, including NDRF, SDRF, and local police. However, **landslides, heavy rain, and deep gorges** have severely hampered progress.
Local officials claim they are doing everything possible, but **families say they’ve been kept in the dark** and are demanding a more coordinated response. **Drone surveillance, divers, and GPS tracking** have been suggested but remain underutilized due to the terrain.
In the Meghalaya case, a **Special Investigation Team (SIT)** was formed, and swift arrests were made, showing how **effective coordination can produce results** even in remote areas.
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## **Public Reaction and Social Media Pressure**
Both stories have captured **national attention**. Hashtags like **#JusticeForKaushalendra** and **#FindAnkita** trended online, with people across India expressing grief and anger. Citizens and celebrities alike have urged governments to strengthen safety measures and ensure justice.
In the Meghalaya case, the shocking twist of alleged **premeditated murder** and a **fake honeymoon plan** sparked outrage, especially as it unfolded like a true-crime drama. Many demanded that tourism laws be revisited to prevent such incidents.
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## **What Needs to Change**
These tragic cases are more than isolated events—they point to systemic gaps:
* **Mandatory tracking systems** for tourists in remote areas.
* **Tourist insurance** and better safety briefings before visiting danger-prone zones.
* **Stronger coordination** between states, especially when victims are from another part of India.
* **Real-time weather warnings**, and stricter checks for travel during high-risk seasons.
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## **Final Thoughts**
The story of Kaushalendra and Ankita is still unfolding. As rescue teams brave dangerous terrain, **India watches in hope**. Their disappearance, along with Raja and Sonam's tragic tale, reminds us that safety cannot be taken for granted—especially in nature’s most beautiful yet unforgiving corners.
The demand is loud and clear: **Tourist safety must become a national priority**. Until then, families will continue to suffer, and what should be the happiest journey of a couple’s life might remain the most heartbreaking.
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