Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 2 Jun: Four days after Babita Pandey, a 30‑year‑old resident of Ramnagar in Nainital, mysteriously went missing during a trek to Dayara Bugyal, rescue teams have not yet been able to trace her. She had disappeared late on 29 May near Goi while trekking with companions. Since 30 May, a massive search operation has been underway but without success. The administration has now intensified efforts by deploying joint teams of SDRF, NDRF, police and forest officials, supported with drones and trained sniffer dogs. Meanwhile, the Tourism Department has cancelled the registration of the trekking agency Bromountain and its guide, citing serious negligence, and has recommended a permanent ban to the District Magistrate.
The Police have registered a case of abduction and are interrogating the two men who accompanied Babita on the trek. Investigations reveal she had arrived in Dehradun with friends on 25 May, visited Gangotri and Harsil, and returned to Uttarkashi before setting out for Dayara Bugyal. Her mother and brother have reached the site and are assisting rescue teams, while her father, who has been physically disabled since a road accident five years ago, has appealed for her safe recovery. Babita, an MBA student who also worked part‑time, is the eldest of three siblings and the only sister. Her family, deeply distressed, has urged authorities to use every resource to bring her back safely. The search continues across the valley and riverbanks, with officials stressing that locating her remains the top priority.
