West Sikkim: A 38-year-old government official from Bengal, Suman Debnath, tragically died on Monday night while trekking the popular Goechala route in West Sikkim. Debnath, a superintendent with the CGST and Customs in Bengal, was part of an organized trekking group when he began experiencing severe symptoms at high altitude.
Police sources said Debnath complained of acute headache, nausea, breathlessness, and extreme fatigue while ascending the hills. Despite assistance from fellow trekkers, his condition worsened, and he lost consciousness and passed away around 9.05 pm at Phedang, a high-altitude point at 11,800 feet, approximately 25 km from Yuksom.
Authorities immediately launched rescue operations, deploying personnel and porters to retrieve the body. The descent, hampered by challenging terrain and weather conditions, took nearly a day. Debnath’s body was transported to Gyalshing district hospital for an inquest and autopsy, before being handed over to his family on Wednesday.
A police source stated, “Preliminary observations suggest the death may be linked to high-altitude medical complications. An unnatural death case has been registered, and investigations are underway.”
The incident highlights the dangers of high-altitude trekking. Experts advise trekkers to ascend gradually, maintain hydration, eat carbohydrate-rich meals, pace the climb, and undergo medical check-ups before expeditions. Authorities reiterated the importance of being properly acclimatized and traveling with experienced guides.
The Goechala trek offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, but Debnath’s death serves as a reminder of the risks involved in high-altitude adventure tourism.
