23-year-old MBA student goes missing during trek in Uttarakhand, two friends detained

PTC News Desk: A 23-year-old MBA student went missing under mysterious circumstances six days ago during a tre k to Dyara Bugyal. A case has been registered a case and detained her two travel companions for questioning following a complaint by her family.

According to police, the missing student, Babita Pandey, a resident of Nainital district, had travelled to Uttarkashi with two friends — Harmanpal Singh and Harmanpreet Singh.

After visiting popular tourist destinations including Harsil and Gangotri, the trio stayed in Raithal Village on May 28. CCTV footage last captured Pandey with her friends in the village.

The following day, May 29, the group began a trek from Raithal to Dayara Bugyal and spent the night at Goi Base Camp. Police said that around midnight, Pandey went missing from the campsite.

Since the disappearance was reported on May 30, a massive search operation involving around 150 personnel from the army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, forest department and disaster management teams has been underway.

Despite extensive efforts, including ground searches, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance across a five-kilometre area covering dense forests, steep slopes, trekking routes and caves, investigators have not found any trace of the missing student.

Search teams are now concentrating on a lake located near the Goi campsite. A six-member SDRF diving team equipped with modern rescue gear has been deployed to search the lake's depths.

Police are also examining the possibility of a personal dispute or any other suspicious circumstances linked to the disappearance. Trekking guides and individuals associated with the trekking agency are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.