Navy team arrives for Teesta search

TT, 18 July 2019, Siliguri: Indian Navy personnel reached Sevoke near here on Wednesday to search for two tourists and a cab driver who had been missing with the vehicle in the Teesta since July 10 .

However, the strong force of the river did not allow them to initiate the search. Later, it was learnt that they need some equipments which are to be brought in their headquarters in Vishakhapatnam. 

The NDRF, that had initiated a search since date of accident, however, continued its work on the Teesta but could not locate the missing persons or the vehicle. 

"After reaching here, we have assessed the river water. Unless the water level recedes,it seems difficult to carry out the search. We also need some equipment necessary for carrying out such operation in deep water. We have contacted our higher officials and have apprised them about the situation," said one of officials of Indian Navy. 

The naval team reached the here on Tuesday evening, a day after the state had sought help from them for the search operation State tourism minister Gautam Deb, who had been monitoring the activities at Sevoke, went to the spot on Wednesday morning to get an idea of the current situation. 

"I have spoken with the officials of Indian Navy. The steep water level has made their task difficult. What I have learnt from them that they are trying to get some instruments which can be helpful for the search operation. I will talk to the chief minister and appeal to her to facilitate transportation of such equipments from the Indian Navy base at Visakhapatnam," Deb said .

The disappointment of the driver's acquaintances and family members of the missing tourists continued, as a week has passed after the accident The SUV, that was carrying three tourists from Rajasthan to Sikkim, went off NH 10 and plunged into the Teesta. 

Among the four missing persons -- the tourists and the driver -- body of one of the tourists has been recovered so far .

Meanwhile, in another development, BJP leaders in Siliguri met family members of the missing tourists Abhijit Roy Chowdhury, the Siliguri (organisational) district president of BJP also sent a letter to Union defence minister Rajnath Singh through Raju Bista, the MP of Darjeeling, and appealed to him for necessary assistance so that the naval team can get necessary equipment and can carry out the operation in Sevoke.