Nainital MBA Student Missing During Uttarkashi Trek, Search Operations Underway

Babita Pandey, a 24-year-old MBA student from Nainital's Ramnagar (Chilkiya), has been reported missing during a trek in Uttarkashi. She had embarked on the trip on May 25 with two friends, Harmanpal from Rudrapur and Harmanpreet from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. After visiting Harsil, the group proceeded to the Dayara Bugyal trek. On the night of May 29, they camped at a location called Goi, where Babita was last seen.

According to her friends, they consumed alcohol that night, and Babita expressed a desire to sit outside the tent alone. By 4 AM the next morning, she was missing. Her belongings, including her bag, were found at the site, but her mobile phone remains switched off. Babita's brother, Harshit Pandey, has filed a complaint at the Maneri police station, alleging negligence on the part of her friends and expressing concerns about her safety. The police have registered a case under Section 140(3) of the Indian Penal Code and have detained the two friends for questioning.

Meanwhile, a joint rescue operation involving the Army, ITBP, SDRF, NDRF, police, and forest department is underway. Drones and dog squads are being used to search the dense forest and challenging terrain. Authorities have also discovered irregularities with the trekking agency involved, which allegedly used forged permits for the trek. The agency's registration has been suspended, and legal action is being pursued.

Babita's family, including her mother and elder brother, are in Uttarkashi actively participating in the search, while her younger brother and other family members await updates at home. Her father, who is differently-abled, has made an emotional appeal to authorities for her safe return.