Former Sikkim minister dead in accident

Gangtok, Mar 14 (UNI) Former Sikkim minister and Legislator Sonam Choda Lepcha died from serious injuries and internal bleeding following an accident, late last night.

The 54-year-old former Legislator, who represented the Dzongu constituency in North Sikkim, was critically injured when he lost control over his car at the steep incline next to the community hall at Jeewan Theeng Marg of the Development area here last evening.

Lepcha, who was driving allegedly under the influence of alcohol, also hit four other people, including a 15-year-old girl who later died. The condition of the three injured was stated to be critical.

The former minister was rushed to the STNM Hospital, from where he was referred to the Siliguri Hospital at 2130 hrs.

However, he died on way to Siliguri at the Teesta area, about 60 km from Gangtok.

His body was brought to Gangtok this morning and handed over to his relatives after conducting post-mortem.

Lepcha, who represented Dzongu for two terms, served as a minister in the Nar Bahadur Bhandari-led Sikkim Sangram Parishad government from 1985-94.

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