Gangtok: A training mission turned into a tragedy on Monday after an Indian Army soldier lost his life in the Teesta River. The victim, identified as Lance Naik Rajasekhar of the 191 Artillery Regiment, was taking part in a routine annual rafting exercise when the incident occurred.
Hidden Hazards Lead to Accident
The mishap took place in the river stretch between Bardang and Rangpo Mining. Reports indicate that the raft collided with submerged debris—specifically the remains of an iron bridge destroyed during the 2023 flash floods. The impact caused the raft to flip, and the powerful river current swept Rajasekhar away before he could be rescued.
Recovery and Investigation
A rapid response team comprising the Indian Army and the Teesta Rescue Centre launched a search operation shortly after the capsizing. The soldier’s body was eventually located downstream at Tar Khola in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal.
The remains have been moved for a post-mortem examination. This incident underscores the lingering dangers posed by flood-damaged infrastructure still hidden beneath the Teesta’s surface.
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