Gangtok: A tragic accident claimed the life of 21-year-old Arjun Gurung from Mangnam, Gyalshing district, who drowned in the Lodung River below Bhaluthang while en route to a football match with friends on May 9, 2025. The incident has shocked the local community and prompted an ongoing police investigation.
According to a complaint filed by his cousin Jas Bahadur Gurung, Arjun, son of Govardhan Gurung and currently residing in Langang, had set out with seven friends to participate in a football match in Labing. Around 11:30 a.m., the group decided to stop by the Lodung River for a swim. It was during this recreational break that Arjun accidentally drowned. Despite immediate efforts, he could not be rescued in time.
The police were alerted via an FIR filed at 2:30 p.m. on the same day. Upon receiving the report, officials from the Gyalshing police promptly initiated a preliminary inquiry. An inquest was conducted by Gyalshing Block Development Officer Shri Garap D. Bhutia, with family members and independent witnesses present, to ensure transparency.
A medico-legal autopsy was performed at the District Hospital in Gyalshing, after which the body was released to Arjun’s family for the last rites. Initial findings suggest no foul play, and authorities have classified the incident as a suspected case of accidental drowning. However, investigations are still ongoing to ensure that all aspects, including any possible negligence, are thoroughly examined.
The case has been registered as an Unnatural Death (UD) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, bearing FIR No. 09/2025. Police officials confirmed that all relevant angles are being investigated to conclusively determine the circumstances leading to Arjun’s untimely death.
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