MP Bista writes to Bengal CM: Seeks SIT Probe
KalimNews, Kalimpong, August 26, 2025: Panic and outrage have gripped the Sevoke region after the shocking abduction of a 14-year-old boy, Ishan Gurung, who remains untraceable even three days after he was allegedly kidnapped in broad daylight. The incident, which took place on August 23, 2025, between 5:00 and 5:30 PM near Sevoke Bridge along National Highway 10 (NH-10), has unsettled residents, with locals saying that such a brazen act has never before occurred in the locality or in Darjeeling district.
Ishan, a Class VII student of Krishna Maya Memorial Nepali High School in Siliguri, had gone fishing with his friends near the 10 Mile forest village area. Eyewitness Sobit Tamang, who was nearby collecting firewood, provided a chilling account of the abduction. He explained that Ishan wanted to cross the road to join his friends who were fishing on the other side. As he crossed, a steel-grey Maruti Omni van, already stationed at the spot, appeared to call out to him or engage him briefly in conversation. Having no suspicion, Tamang did not pay close attention until he suddenly heard a cry. In the next moment, he saw the men inside the van forcefully drag Ishan in before speeding away towards Siliguri.
Tamang rushed after the vehicle but, unable to stop it, ran towards nearby shops to seek help. Without a phone of his own, he borrowed a motorbike in an attempt to chase the kidnappers but could not catch up. He immediately reported the matter to the nearest police checkpoint and later to the Sevoke Police Outpost.
Despite a formal police complaint, no breakthrough has been achieved so far. With frustration mounting, villagers blocked NH-10 on August 25, disrupting traffic between Bengal, Sikkim, and the Dooars for several hours. The protest was withdrawn only after police intervention around 1 PM.
Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking her immediate intervention. Calling the incident “deeply shocking,” he criticized the delay and inaction of the police and administration, saying that public confidence has been shaken. He urged the Chief Minister to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case with urgency, including potential links to organized crime and human trafficking. “I earnestly request you to intervene at the earliest and take immediate steps to constitute the SIT so that the missing child Ishan Gurung can be traced and brought back home safely,” Bista appealed in his letter.
Meanwhile, Darjeeling Superintendent of Police has announced a reward of ₹2 lakh for any valuable information leading to the recovery of Ishan. “We are making every possible effort with full dedication to trace and recover Ishan Gurung, who has gone missing. We request the public’s cooperation and assistance in this matter. If you have any credible information that can help us in locating him, please come forward,” Darjeeling Police stated. Information can be shared on 9147889078, 9733300575, 9147889058, or via email at darjeelingpolice@gmail.com.
A report released by Darjeeling Police underscores the gravity of missing persons cases in the district. From 2020 to 2023, a total of 7,378 missing person cases were registered across different police stations, of which 3,241 were male and 4,137 female. Among these, only 1,628 persons — 699 male and 929 female — were traced. The figures highlight both the alarming scale of such cases and the pressing need for stronger preventive and investigative measures.
As of now, Ishan Gurung remains untraced, and fear and uncertainty continue to grip the region.
About the Author
