Uttarakhand Missing Trekker Case: Helicopter Deployed as Search for MBA Student Babita Pandey Enters Second Week

Multi-Agency Rescue Operation Intensifies on Dayara Bugyal Trek Route in Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: The search operation for Babita Pandey, a 24-year-old MBA student from Ramnagar in Uttarakhand's Nainital district who went missing during a trekking expedition in Uttarkashi, has entered its second week, with authorities now deploying a helicopter to expand the search efforts.

The large-scale rescue mission involves multiple agencies, including the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, forest department, and local administration.

Officials say the operation remains one of the most extensive search efforts conducted in the region in recent months.

Babita Pandey Went Missing During Trekking Trip

According to officials, Babita Pandey had travelled to Uttarkashi along with two friends toward the end of May for a trekking and camping expedition.

The group was reportedly staying at the Goi Campsite on the popular Dayara Bugyal trekking route when the incident occurred.

Authorities said Babita was last seen near the campsite around midnight on May 29.

According to statements provided to investigators, she allegedly stepped out of the tent during the night and did not return.

Friends Reported Her Missing the Next Day

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya said Babita's companions initially searched for her themselves before informing authorities.

According to officials, the matter was reported to police on May 30, following unsuccessful efforts to locate her in the surrounding area.

"The companions informed us that Babita stepped out of the tent around midnight and did not return. They searched nearby locations the following morning before reporting the incident," Arya said.

Officials added that witnesses also confirmed seeing her near the campsite before her disappearance.

No Trace Found Despite Extensive Search

Despite continuous search efforts over the past week, authorities have not yet found any trace of the missing trekker.

Investigators have stated that no clear signs of struggle, confrontation, or disturbance were discovered at the campsite during the initial inspection.

Search teams have been combing trekking routes, nearby forests, valleys, meadows, and other difficult-to-access locations in the region.

Helicopter Deployed to Expand Search Area

As the operation entered its second week, the Uttarkashi district administration decided to deploy a helicopter to widen the search radius.

District officials believe aerial surveillance could help identify clues in remote and rugged areas that remain difficult to access on foot.

"We have deployed a helicopter to expand the search operation in nearby regions and inaccessible locations," District Magistrate Prashant Arya said.

The helicopter is expected to assist teams in surveying vast stretches of mountainous terrain surrounding the Dayara Bugyal trekking zone.

More Than 150 Personnel Involved in Search Mission

The rescue effort has grown significantly since it began on May 31.

According to officials, more than 150 personnel from various agencies are currently participating in the operation, including:

• Indian Army
• ITBP
• NDRF
• SDRF
• Uttarakhand Police
• Forest Department
• Revenue Department
• Disaster Management Teams

Local villagers familiar with the terrain have also joined the search efforts, helping teams navigate difficult mountain routes and forest trails.

Drones, Sniffer Dogs and Specialized Teams Deployed

Authorities have deployed advanced search tools to improve the chances of locating the missing student.

The search operation currently includes:

• Drone surveillance
• Sniffer dogs
• Specialized mountain rescue teams
• Ground search units

Officials confirmed that a dedicated six-member expert search team has also been formed to intensify efforts in high-priority areas.

Despite challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain, search operations are continuing around the clock.

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering Joins Search

In a further boost to the rescue mission, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), based in Uttarkashi, joined the operation on Saturday.

NIM's experienced mountaineering and rescue personnel are assisting authorities in searching remote and difficult sections of the trekking route.

Officials hope their expertise in mountain rescue operations will strengthen ongoing efforts.

Family Raises Suspicions, FIR Registered

Meanwhile, Babita Pandey's family has raised concerns regarding the role of the two friends who accompanied her during the trekking trip.

Based on a complaint submitted by family members, Uttarkashi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on May 31.

The FIR names:

• Harman Pal, a resident of Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
• Harman Preet, a resident of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh

The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to kidnapping or wrongful confinement.

Police Investigating All Possible Angles

Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains open and is being conducted from multiple perspectives.

Deepak Nautiyal, Station House Officer (SHO) of Maneri Police Station, stated that investigators are examining every possible scenario related to the disappearance.

"We are investigating the matter from all possible angles," he said.

Authorities are simultaneously pursuing both the search operation and the criminal investigation as they work to determine what happened to the missing student.

Search Continues Amid Growing Concern

As the operation enters its second week, concern continues to grow among family members, local residents, and authorities.

The challenging terrain, changing weather conditions, and absence of significant leads have made the search particularly difficult.

However, officials maintain that efforts will continue until all possible areas have been thoroughly examined and the mystery surrounding Babita Pandey's disappearance is resolved.

(With inputs from agencies)