Bhubaneswar: Itishree Jena, a prominent BJP leader from Odisha, along with three family members, has been reported missing following a devastating car accident in Sikkim. Meanwhile, four other relatives have safely returned to their home in Jajpur district as of Monday.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when a tourist vehicle, carrying 11 individuals, including six from Itishree's family, veered off a hilly road and plunged nearly 1,000 feet into the Teesta River while returning from Gangtok. The accident took place between Chungthang and Munshithang.

Among those rescued by Sikkim Police were Itishree's son and nephew, who are currently receiving medical attention at a hospital in Gangtok, with her nephew reported to be in critical condition, according to BJP MLA Akash Das Nayak.

The four relatives who returned to Jajpur Road railway station were in a separate vehicle that was not involved in the accident. They have been identified as Itishree's sisters, Manjulata Deo and Jharana Mahapatra, along with two nieces, Jani and Guni, as stated by local MLA Das Nayak.

Das Nayak has been closely monitoring the situation and reported, "There is still no sign of Itishree and three other family members, although her handbag and mobile phone have been found. The ongoing rescue efforts have been hampered by rain and rising water levels in the Teesta River."

Manjulata Deo, Itishree's elder sister, recounted the harrowing experience, stating, "We were traveling in two cars. I was in one vehicle with four others, while Itishree and five family members were in the other, which unfortunately met with the accident."

Deo, aged 65, mentioned that they were unaware of the second vehicle's mishap until their driver noted the headlights were no longer visible. They attempted to locate the missing vehicle but were unsuccessful. The police later managed to rescue the two youths by tracking their mobile phones.

Despite the grim circumstances, she expressed hope that Itishree and the others might have survived and been swept away by the river.

Das Nayak also revealed that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reached out to his Sikkim counterpart, Prem Singh Tamang, and dispatched a team of officials to oversee the rescue operations.

Additionally, Puri MP Sambit Patra, who oversees Sikkim for the BJP, is actively involved in monitoring the rescue efforts.