Three siblings in their 20s from Kazitar Dikchu in East Sikkim were swept away in river Bakcha on Saturday.

Only the body of one of the sisters was recovered on Sunday after a massive search operation.

Police quoting an eyewitness said Chandra Rai, 28, her sister Erika, 22, and a seven-year-old child had gone to the river for fun. They were joined later by the women’s brother Puran, 29.

While frolicking in a small waterfall, Puran slipped and fell into river Bakcha. When Chandra tried to rescue her brother, she got sucked in the water current. Seeing her siblings struggling, Erika jumped into the river. “Unfortunately, none of them knew how to swim and were swept away,” said a source.

On Sunday, Erika’s body was found. Search is on for Chandra and Puran.

Police with the help of residents carried out search operation till late Saturday evening. On Sunday, they were joined in their efforts by the National Disaster Rescue Force from North Sikkim and State Disaster Rescue Force from South Sikkim.